Eleven people went on trial in Sweden on Tuesday, accused of illegally dumping toxic waste in the country's biggest-ever environmental crime case.

A once-acclaimed waste management company is accused of dumping or burying some 200,000 tonnes of waste from the Stockholm area at 21 sites, with no intention of processing it correctly.

Among those charged with "aggravated environmental crime" is its former chief executive Bella Nilsson, an ex-stripper who once called herself the "Queen of Trash".

She was the last of the accused to arrive at the courthouse in northern Stockholm as the trial, which is expected to last until May, opened on Tuesday morning.

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Wearing big dark sunglasses, Nilsson refused to answer questions as she shoved away reporters' microphones.

High levels of PCBs, lead, mercury, arsenic and other chemicals were released into the air, soil and water, prosecutors said, endangering the "health of humans, animals and plant life".

They say the now-bankrupt NMT Think Pink "collected waste with no intention or ability to handle it in line with environmental legislation."

The waste consisted of everything from building materials to electronics, metals, plastics, wood, tyres and toys.

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Think Pink left the piles "unsorted" and abandoned, according to the charge sheet.

Nilsson's ex-husband Thomas, the company's founder, and Leif Ivan Karlsson, an eccentric entrepreneur who starred in a reality show about his over-the-top lifestyle, are also among those indicted, along with "waste broker" Robert Silversten.

An environmental consultant who helped the company pass inspections, Magnus Karlsson, has been charged as an accessory.

All 11 accused have denied committing any crime.

In its heyday from 2018 to 2020, the company's fuschia-coloured construction waste sacks could be seen on many a Stockholm sidewalk, and the company twice won a prestigious Swedish business prize.

<h2>- Burning dumps -</h2>

Think Pink was hired by municipalities, construction companies, apartment co-ops and private individuals to recycle and dispose of building waste.

But the business came crashing down in 2020 when its owners were arrested.

Bella Nilsson -- who has now changed her name to Fariba Vancor -- has previously told Swedish media that the company acted in line with the law, and insisted she is the victim of a plot by business rivals.

"She has an explanation for all of this," her lawyer Jan Tibbling told the Dagens Nyheter daily on Monday.

Considered Sweden's largest environmental crime case, the police investigation runs to more than 45,000 pages, with 150 witnesses due to testify.

One prosecutor, Linda Schon, told Dagens Nyheter that they had to limit the charges to 21 sites because they were running out of time.

"There may have been a number of sites we haven't been able to investigate," but "we believe that 21 sites is enough to show that the crimes were systematic," she said.

Several municipalities have sought damages for clean-up and decontamination costs, totalling 260 million kronor ($25.4 million).

One of the biggest claims is from the Botkyrka council, where two Think Pink waste piles burned for months in 2020 and 2021 after spontaneously combusting. One was near two nature reserves.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Eleven people went on trial in Sweden on Tuesday, accused of illegally dumping toxic waste in the country's biggest-ever environmental crime case. A once-acclaimed waste management company is accused of dumping or burying some 200,000 tonnes of waste from the Stockholm area at 21 sites, with no intention of processing it correctly.

Eleven people went on trial in Sweden on Tuesday, accused of illegally dumping toxic waste in the country's biggest-ever environmental crime case. A once-acclaimed waste management company is accused of dumping or burying some 200,000 tonnes of waste from the Stockholm area at 21 sites, with no intention of processing it correctly. Among those charged with "aggravated environmental crime" is its former chief executive Bella Nilsson, an ex-stripper who once called herself the "Queen of Trash". She was the last of the accused to arrive at the courthouse in northern Stockholm as the trial, which is expected to last until May, opened on Tuesday morning. Also read | Sweden to put two men on trial for alleged burning of Quran Wearing big dark sunglasses, Nilsson refused to answer questions as she shoved away reporters' microphones. High levels of PCBs, lead, mercury, arsenic and other chemicals were released into the air, soil and water, prosecutors said, endangering the "health of humans, animals and plant life". They say the now-bankrupt NMT Think Pink "collected waste with no intention or ability to handle it in line with environmental legislation." The waste consisted of everything from building materials to electronics, metals, plastics, wood, tyres and toys. Also watch | Mission Sustainability: Population, Over-Consumption and Waste × Think Pink left the piles "unsorted" and abandoned, according to the charge sheet. Nilsson's ex-husband Thomas, the company's founder, and Leif Ivan Karlsson, an eccentric entrepreneur who starred in a reality show about his over-the-top lifestyle, are also among those indicted, along with "waste broker" Robert Silversten. An environmental consultant who helped the company pass inspections, Magnus Karlsson, has been charged as an accessory. All 11 accused have denied committing any crime. In its heyday from 2018 to 2020, the company's fuschia-coloured construction waste sacks could be seen on many a Stockholm sidewalk, and the company twice won a prestigious Swedish business prize. - Burning dumps - Think Pink was hired by municipalities, construction companies, apartment co-ops and private individuals to recycle and dispose of building waste. But the business came crashing down in 2020 when its owners were arrested. Bella Nilsson -- who has now changed her name to Fariba Vancor -- has previously told Swedish media that the company acted in line with the law, and insisted she is the victim of a plot by business rivals. "She has an explanation for all of this," her lawyer Jan Tibbling told the Dagens Nyheter daily on Monday. Considered Sweden's largest environmental crime case, the police investigation runs to more than 45,000 pages, with 150 witnesses due to testify. One prosecutor, Linda Schon, told Dagens Nyheter that they had to limit the charges to 21 sites because they were running out of time. "There may have been a number of sites we haven't been able to investigate," but "we believe that 21 sites is enough to show that the crimes were systematic," she said. Several municipalities have sought damages for clean-up and decontamination costs, totalling 260 million kronor ($25.4 million). One of the biggest claims is from the Botkyrka council, where two Think Pink waste piles burned for months in 2020 and 2021 after spontaneously combusting. One was near two nature reserves. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

'Queen of Trash' in dock in Sweden's biggest toxic waste scandal

A temporary halt was ordered in the transfer of contaminated waste from the site of the train crash in Ohio, East Palestine by the federal environmental authorities earlier this month, as fears of further contamination from the toxic waste loomed.

Hazardous waste disposal facilities near Detroit and Houston have been planning to receive the majority of contaminated soil and water from the train wreck site in East Palestine, increasing the risk of the spread of dangerous chemicals in the environment elsewhere.

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Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Debra Shore on Saturday said that rail company Norfolk Southern was ordered by the agency to “pause” shipments from the wreck site but promised that the removal of toxic waste will be resumed “very soon”.

“Everyone wants this contamination gone from the community. They don’t want the worry, and they don’t want the smell, and we owe it to the people of East Palestine to move it out of the community as quickly as possible,” said Shore.

She added that the responsibility of disposal of toxic waste was solely on the rail company which provided the Ohio environmental officials with the names of shortlisted and utilised disposal sites.

From now on, disposal plans including transportation routes for contaminated waste and location will be reviewed and approved by the EPA, she said.

WATCH | Ohio train derailment: Environmental disaster

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“EPA will ensure that all waste is disposed of in a safe and lawful manner at EPA-certified facilities to prevent further release of hazardous substances and impacts to communities,” Shore added.

She added that the officials have understood the concerns raised by the residents as well as others and were reviewing “the transport of some of this waste over long distances and finding the appropriate permitted and certified sites to take the waste”.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A temporary halt was ordered in the transfer of contaminated waste from the site of the train crash in Ohio, East Palestine by the federal environmental authorities earlier this month, as fears of further contamination from the toxic waste loomed.

A temporary halt was ordered in the transfer of contaminated waste from the site of the train crash in Ohio, East Palestine by the federal environmental authorities earlier this month, as fears of further contamination from the toxic waste loomed. Hazardous waste disposal facilities near Detroit and Houston have been planning to receive the majority of contaminated soil and water from the train wreck site in East Palestine, increasing the risk of the spread of dangerous chemicals in the environment elsewhere. ALSO READ | Citizens refuse to return after Ohio train derailment due to gas leak fears Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Debra Shore on Saturday said that rail company Norfolk Southern was ordered by the agency to “pause” shipments from the wreck site but promised that the removal of toxic waste will be resumed “very soon”. “Everyone wants this contamination gone from the community. They don’t want the worry, and they don’t want the smell, and we owe it to the people of East Palestine to move it out of the community as quickly as possible,” said Shore. She added that the responsibility of disposal of toxic waste was solely on the rail company which provided the Ohio environmental officials with the names of shortlisted and utilised disposal sites. From now on, disposal plans including transportation routes for contaminated waste and location will be reviewed and approved by the EPA, she said. WATCH | Ohio train derailment: Environmental disaster “EPA will ensure that all waste is disposed of in a safe and lawful manner at EPA-certified facilities to prevent further release of hazardous substances and impacts to communities,” Shore added. She added that the officials have understood the concerns raised by the residents as well as others and were reviewing “the transport of some of this waste over long distances and finding the appropriate permitted and certified sites to take the waste”. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ohio toxic train crash: Authorities suspend waste removal as contamination fear looms

Malaysia on Sunday discovered 110 containers filled with toxic waste. Reportedly, the waste came from Romania and was on its way to Indonesia.

1,864 tonnes of toxic waste

Found at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas where it was dumped last month, the containers housed 1,864 tonnes of electric arc furnace dust (EAFD), which is a deadly remnant of steel production, and contains toxic elements such as lead and chromium.

Allegedly brought from Romania, the containers were falsely declared as concentrated zinc.

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The Environment and Water Minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan man called it “the biggest finding of its kind”, and suggested that the shipment was on its way to Indonesia.

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Also, Malaysia is in the process of returning the shipment, while asking Interpol to investigate.

Ever since China banned import of plastic waste in 2018, other countries have become the dumping ground for Western countries. These include Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Basel Convention

In a bid to contain dumping of waste, 187 countries last year added plastic to the Basel Convention, a treaty which regulates the movement of hazardous materials from one country to another.

Under this convention, the shipment in Malaysia qualifies as toxic waste. Malaysia is a signatory of the convention.

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Malaysia and the Philippines have now begun publicly naming countries that ship their trash to developing nations. In May 2019, Malaysia returned 450 tonnes of plastic waste to where it came from, including countries like the US, the UK, Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands.

"We urge the developed countries to review their management of plastic waste and stop shipping garbage to developing countries," said Yeo Bee Yin, Malaysia's then-minister of energy, science, technology, environment and climate change.

Just this year, Malaysian authorities identified and halted 28 such shipments. And with the onset of global usage of single-use masks given the coronavirus pandemic, the usage of plastic is expected to increase, creating havoc for the countries.

Malaysia on Sunday discovered 110 containers filled with toxic waste. Reportedly, the waste came from Romania and was on its way to Indonesia. 1,864 tonnes of toxic waste Found at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas where it was dumped last month, the containers housed 1,864 tonnes of electric arc furnace dust (EAFD), which is a deadly remnant of steel production, and contains toxic elements such as lead and chromium.

Malaysia on Sunday discovered 110 containers filled with toxic waste. Reportedly, the waste came from Romania and was on its way to Indonesia. 1,864 tonnes of toxic waste Found at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas where it was dumped last month, the containers housed 1,864 tonnes of electric arc furnace dust (EAFD), which is a deadly remnant of steel production, and contains toxic elements such as lead and chromium. Allegedly brought from Romania, the containers were falsely declared as concentrated zinc. You might be interested in: Air pollution significantly contributes to rise in coronavirus infections and deaths: Study The Environment and Water Minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan man called it “the biggest finding of its kind”, and suggested that the shipment was on its way to Indonesia. Also read: Spain to enforce tax on plastic packaging to curb pollution Also, Malaysia is in the process of returning the shipment, while asking Interpol to investigate. Ever since China banned import of plastic waste in 2018, other countries have become the dumping ground for Western countries. These include Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Basel Convention In a bid to contain dumping of waste, 187 countries last year added plastic to the Basel Convention, a treaty which regulates the movement of hazardous materials from one country to another. Under this convention, the shipment in Malaysia qualifies as toxic waste. Malaysia is a signatory of the convention. You might be interested in: Plastic pollution is booming from coronavirus and will get worse after the pandemic Malaysia and the Philippines have now begun publicly naming countries that ship their trash to developing nations. In May 2019, Malaysia returned 450 tonnes of plastic waste to where it came from, including countries like the US, the UK, Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands. "We urge the developed countries to review their management of plastic waste and stop shipping garbage to developing countries," said Yeo Bee Yin, Malaysia's then-minister of energy, science, technology, environment and climate change. Just this year, Malaysian authorities identified and halted 28 such shipments. And with the onset of global usage of single-use masks given the coronavirus pandemic, the usage of plastic is expected to increase, creating havoc for the countries.

Malaysia discovers 110 containers with toxic waste shipped illegally from Romania

Over 100 schools in Malaysia have been closed after the dumping of toxic waste into a river caused hundreds of people to fall ill, including many children, authorities said.

A lorry is believed to have dumped the waste in southern Johor state last week, sending hazardous fumes across a wide area and causing those affected to display symptoms of poisoning such as nausea and vomiting.

Over 500 people, many of them school pupils, have received medical treatment after inhaling the fumes, with over 160 admitted to hospital, according to official news agency Bernama.&nbsp;

It was unclear what type of poisonous gas had been emitted near the industrial town of Pasir Gudang.

Education Minister Maszlee Malik initially ordered the closure of 43 schools in the area Wednesday, but later announced that figure had more than doubled.

"The ministry of education has decided to close all 111 schools in the Pasir Gudang area immediately," he said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The education ministry is requesting that all parties take precautions."

Three men were arrested earlier this week over the toxic waste dumping. One is expected to be charged in court soon and could face up to five years in jail if found guilty of breaking environmental protection laws.

Over 100 schools in Malaysia have been closed after the dumping of toxic waste into a river caused hundreds of people to fall ill, including many children, authorities said.

Over 100 schools in Malaysia have been closed after the dumping of toxic waste into a river caused hundreds of people to fall ill, including many children, authorities said. A lorry is believed to have dumped the waste in southern Johor state last week, sending hazardous fumes across a wide area and causing those affected to display symptoms of poisoning such as nausea and vomiting. Over 500 people, many of them school pupils, have received medical treatment after inhaling the fumes, with over 160 admitted to hospital, according to official news agency Bernama. It was unclear what type of poisonous gas had been emitted near the industrial town of Pasir Gudang. Education Minister Maszlee Malik initially ordered the closure of 43 schools in the area Wednesday, but later announced that figure had more than doubled. "The ministry of education has decided to close all 111 schools in the Pasir Gudang area immediately," he said in a statement. "The education ministry is requesting that all parties take precautions." Three men were arrested earlier this week over the toxic waste dumping. One is expected to be charged in court soon and could face up to five years in jail if found guilty of breaking environmental protection laws.

Over 100 Malaysian schools shut after toxic waste dump

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