The large sums of waste that were illegally dumped affect territories along the border, including that of the municipalities of Audun-le-Tiche, Villerupt, Rédange, and Hussigny-Godbrange.
This phenomenon is widely known and increasing exponentially, leaving authorities certain of an international smuggling development.
It is under this context that the EGTC (European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation) started a counter-operation affecting eight French and four Luxembourgish municipalities this Friday afternoon.
They hope to stop any further illegal waste trafficking, as reported by the French newspaper “Le Républicain Lorrain”.
Four control checks jointly regulated by French and Luxembourgish authorities have been installed in Belvaux and Rumelange, as well as in Audun-le-Tiche.
Their aim is to have a better overview of waste transports and act as a reminder that the transnational transfer of waste remains strictly forbidden (whether this is a mere bin bag or an entire truckload) unless specific authorisation was granted.
This simple intervention has already enabled the municipality of Audun-le-Tiche to intercept 2.5 tons of illegal waste. Among this was a Luxembourgish truck, loaded with around 2 tons worth of rubble - a clear violation of French legislation followed by a penalty.
