Criminality within waste management is extensive, according to the police, who have also identified the industry as highly attractive to organized crime.
At the same time, supervision in the industry has failed, which is why several authorities have been tasked with developing a joint effort to combat criminality. One of the authorities is the County Administrative Board in Stockholm – which in September initiated a joint supervision of waste transport in 18 municipalities.
Over 130 incoming trucks were inspected at waste stations during the operation, in which the Work Environment Authority and the police also participated. Deficiencies were found in more than half of the transports.
These included, among other things, unauthorized transport of unsorted construction and demolition waste and violations of permit conditions.
It was surprising. If you operate a business, you should know what rules to follow and what permits you have, says Egle Vilkinyte, waste crime coordinator at the County Administrative Board.
In the operation, 12 environmental sanctions were also issued and over 40 reports of environmental crimes were filed. Whether it is a matter of intentional criminality or ignorance is difficult to say until any investigations are complete.
Vilkinyte also notes that they reacted to the fact that up to three or four companies could be involved in the same transport, which can make it difficult to determine who is actually responsible.
Is it deliberately constructed to make it difficult?
Yes, one can wonder.
The hope is that the operation can serve as a springboard for strengthened supervision in individual municipalities going forward.
More need to get started and do more, she says.
Results from the supervision operation against waste transport:
79 of 133 controlled transports had deficiencies
43 reports of criminal offenses
Fines from the Work Environment Authority of over one million kronor to companies, mainly for uninspected lifting equipment
12 environmental sanctions
5 prohibitions
16 injunctions to apply for permits/follow permits
Source: County Administrative Board in Stockholm, Work Environment Authority
