Plans to set up a counting station for returnable bottles and cans have sparked violent protests in Vorchdorf (Upper Austria). Although the community offers plenty of space for commercial businesses, a location on the edge was chosen. All heavy traffic with containers must move along freight routes.
The plans to set up a counting system for plastic bottles and drinks cans are causing a wave of outrage in Vorchdorf. With the introduction of the new deposit system from January 1, 2025, containers will be delivered to the edge of the city every day from Monday to Friday and if necessary also on Saturdays, counted, packed and removed for recycling at the edge of the city.
Locations are planned in Lower Austria, Tyrol, Styria and Upper Austria. While the counting system is being built right next to the highway in Dobl, Styria, it is located in the middle of nowhere in Vorchdorf.
Emotions ran high during an information event with representatives of politics, the operator ÖkoPoint GmbH and residents. ÖVP Mayor Hans Mitterlehner did not hold back in his opposition to the project. “The location is undeniably not ideal. Traffic creates additional burden for residents. As a community, our hands are tied. No permit is required to operate the system. The Waste Management Act makes a lot possible.”
The residents do not want to accept that. “The access roads are exclusively freight routes. The oncoming traffic does not offer alternative options, which is a problem for farmers in winter and during the seasonal periods,” said one person present.
Vice Mayor Margit Kriechbaum wanted to know from the operator whether he could imagine moving the already built facility if alternative proposals were made.
The answer was quite evasive. The fact that the facility is already there causes dissatisfaction. Because the state government’s oral hearing on the waste management approval will take place only on Monday. “We got run over,” a neighbor muttered.
Source: Krone
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