Operation “Demeter” hit the waste mafia hard. Several shipments of waste from car wrecks etc. were stopped by local customs on the way to Africa.
Demeter is the Greek goddess of fertility and in the local case also the symbol of revenge against the unscrupulous waste mafia. An international special operation of the World Customs Authority took place under her name in the autumn of last year, which continues to have consequences in Austria to this day.
Illegal cargo destined for Cameroon
The joint action in a total of 106 countries was aimed against the illegal transport of hazardous waste and the dubious trade in environmentally harmful substances. Textiles, metals, plastics, broken vehicles and machinery, paper and electronic waste made up the bulk of illegal waste. Most seizures came from Europe and were destined for Europe, Asia and Africa.
There were also 334 checks in the red-white-red federal territory, with the “biggest hit” from customs being a shipment full of destroyed cars and old tires destined for Cameroon. Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) emphasizes: “Participation in the operation is an important part of our commitment to global environmental protection. I would like to thank our customs officers for their great efforts.”
Every tire used contains raw materials
The Association of Austrian Waste Management Companies (VOEB) points out the value of used tires – whether for wheelbarrows, cars or trucks. These are made from rubber, steel and nylon and can be recycled in a resource-saving way.
On average, approximately 982 kilograms of recyclable material can be recycled per vehicle. This only happens to just under 40,000 of the approximately 200,000 scrap vehicles produced annually in Austria. The rest – 160,000 pieces – largely disappear abroad illegally.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
