Vilnius waste‑sorting plant operation dispute intensifies

Vilnius district court granted a request by the municipal waste agency VAATC, issuing a temporary order that prevents Energesman, the plant operator, from obstructing VAATC personnel from entering the waste‑sorting facility. The ruling does not transfer ownership or operating rights to VAATC; Energesman says the decision does not give VAATC the authority to take over the plant.

VAATC officials state the decision is based on an emergency‑operations order to ensure continuity of waste management after a fire disrupted the facility. The agency reports that no Energesman employees remain on site and that the contract with Energesman has not been terminated yet, giving the operator 20 working days—until 7 August—to remedy alleged violations. Energesman intends to appeal the court order while continuing to fulfill its obligations under the exploitation contract and to manage regional waste collection.