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Saturday, 27.04.2024, 04:34
Numerous violations in Lithuania's waste management sector revealed
According to officials from Vilnius Regional Environmental Protection Department (RAAD), nearly 6,000 tonnes of metallic packaging worth over EUR 6.4 million and more than 500 tonnes of PET packaging worth EUR 0.5 million has not been managed.
Treciokas said the numbers were frightening. According to the environment minister, it is suspected that companies responsible for management, disposal and recycling of waste took the money and issued certificates claiming that packaging was recycled without doing so. Waste is not really disposed of or only a small amount of it is.
Minister Treciokas said that exact figures would be determined during the investigation. Vilnius RAAD appealed with the information to the FNTT and Vilnius Regional Prosecutor's Office. The minister vowed to eliminate such fraud as well as legal deficiencies that have emerged.
The minister revealed several companies that were mentioned in inspection documents. Vilnius RAAD referred to prosecutors regarding damages caused by waste management company UAB Metrail. Damages total over EUR 7 million due to unpaid pollution taxes.
According to officers, the Association of Manufacturers and Importers of Electric and Electronic Equipment (EEPA) was involved in the corruption scheme when managing electric and electronic equipment waste.
This month the State Environmental Protection Service under the Ministry of Environment has referred to the FNTT regarding the actions of this association.