Hardchroom bankruptcy leaves toxic chromium-6 waste in Hengelo

The metal plating company Hardchroom in Hengelo has officially declared bankruptcy, following a legal battle regarding hazardous waste. Previously, a judge had blocked the company's own attempt to file for bankruptcy to prevent the owner from abandoning four baths of carcinogenic chromium-6 waste left in a vacant hall.

The court had ruled that the owner must clean up the toxic substances or allow the landlord to do so at the owner's expense. However, the waste remains on-site. This week, bankruptcy was finally declared, though it was initiated by an energy company due to unpaid bills rather than by the director.

Curator Nick Leferink reported that the cleanup costs could reach 200,000 euros. Currently, there are no funds within the bankruptcy estate to cover these expenses, leaving the future of the hazardous waste disposal uncertain.