Trial opens in Weiden over illegal waste exports and alleged health endangerment

In addition, prosecutors accuse the main defendant of intentionally transporting hazardous waste abroad in 13 further cases. A court spokesperson said some of the charges relate to a battery recycling facility that allegedly was leaking. The main defendant is further alleged to have failed to shut the facility down, thereby accepting that employees would inhale hazardous substances.

Charges and allegations

The indictment also includes charges of intentional unauthorized operation of facilities, dangerous bodily harm, and document forgery against the former managing director. The prosecution alleges the two men acted persistently and out of greed for profit. The trial is scheduled to continue on subsequent hearing days, with a verdict possible as early as September.

According to the indictment, since 2024 the disposal company repeatedly transported waste across the German border into the Czech Republic and Poland. The majority of the waste, however, was disposed of directly in Bavaria, according to a spokesperson for the government of the Oberpfalz. The company is headquartered in Weiden and operates a branch in the Schwandorf district.

Costs and cross-border cleanup

Bavarian authorities ultimately had about 600 tonnes of waste brought back from the Czech Republic, generating costs of roughly 600,000 euros for transport, disposal, site setup, and engineering services. A condition for the proceedings would be a payment of at least 100,000 euros to the Free State of Bavaria.

The returned material included glass- or carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic as well as parts of lithium-ion batteries, substances that require special handling. According to a court spokesperson, some of the charges are tied to a battery recycling facility that allegedly was leaking, raising concerns about contamination on site as well as across the border.

Witnesses and procedure

Approximately 40 witnesses and experts have been summoned. The list includes employees of the waste disposal company, representatives of state supervisory authorities, and investigating officers from both Germany and the Czech Republic. The breadth of the witness roster underscores the cross-border dimension of the case.

The case highlights the regulatory pressures facing Bavaria's recycling sector, where cross-border waste streams and insolvency of operators can leave public authorities responsible for cleanup. A verdict could be issued in September, depending on the pace of witness testimony and any plea discussions.