Wrecks discovered

Operation “Demeter”: Tough blow against the waste mafia

(Bild: BMF/Zoll)

Operation Demeter hit the waste mafia hard. Several waste shipments of wrecked cars etc. were stopped by local customs on their way to Africa.

Demeter is the Greek goddess of fertility and, in the local case, probably also the symbol of revenge against the unscrupulous waste mafia. Last fall, an international special operation by the World Customs Organization was carried out under her name, which still has repercussions in Austria today.

Brazen environmental crime despite children's laughter: European used tires have been ending up in African countries for years.(Bild: TYLLE,YANNICK)

Illegal cargo destined for Cameroon
The concerted campaign in a total of 106 countries was directed against the illegal transportation of hazardous waste and the dubious trade in environmentally harmful substances. Textiles, metal, plastic, broken vehicles and machinery, paper and electronic waste made up the majority of illegal waste. Most of the seizures came from Europe and were destined for Europe, Asia and Africa.

The results show that our efforts are bearing fruit and that we are making a valuable contribution to the fight against the illegal transportation of hazardous waste and the trade in environmentally harmful substances.

Finanzminister Magnus Brunner

Bild: APA/HELMUT FOHRINGER

334 checks were also carried out in the red-white-red federal territory, with the "main hit" by customs being a load full of wrecked cars and used 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 commitment."

The large load of car wrecks and tires for Cameroon(Bild: BMF/Zoll)

The waste was transported in several shipping containers.(Bild: BMF/Zoll)

Every single used tire contains raw materials 
The Association of Austrian Waste Management Companies (VOEB) points out the value of used tires - whether from wheelbarrows, cars or trucks. They are made of rubber, steel and nylon and can be recycled to conserve resources.

Illegal waste export is not a trivial offense and harms both local taxpayers and the environment.

VOEB-Präsidentin Gabriele Jüly

On average, around 982 kilograms of recyclable materials can be recycled per vehicle. This only happens with just under 40,000 of the approximately 200,000 scrap vehicles generated in Austria each year. The rest - 160,000 - usually disappears illegally abroad.