Czech municipalities dispute waste incinerator projects

The town council of Litvínov voted overwhelmingly to reject the proposed ZOE hazardous‑waste incinerator near the Celio landfill, citing concerns over increased traffic, environmental impact and incompatibility with the city’s land‑use plan. Eighteen of the council’s members opposed the plant, which would process up to 50,000 tonnes of industrial waste.

Separately, Prague approved an 850 million CZK investment to modernise the ZEVO waste‑to‑energy facility in Malešice under the “Phoenix” project. The upgrade aims to improve the separation and reuse of ash and slag, turning the slag into construction material and extending the plant’s lifespan through advanced technology. The city expects the investment to reduce landfill use, recover valuable resources and lower carbon emissions.

Both decisions reflect ongoing debates in the Czech Republic over waste‑management strategies, balancing industrial needs with environmental and community concerns.