He stored hazardous waste. He seriously endangered the health of citizens.

At the end of July, police officers from the Economic Crime Unit, in conjunction with the Provincial Inspectorate for Environmental Protection, secured evidence that led to charges being brought against a 56-year-old resident of Żory. The man will be charged with improper handling of hazardous waste in the form of railway sleepers. This offense carries a penalty of up to 12 years in prison.

Hazardous waste. What is it?

Rail waste, especially used railway sleepers, is hazardous waste. The reason? They contain toxic substances. Their export outside the country requires the consent of the Chief Inspector of Environmental Protection. Violation of the regulations can result in significant fines and criminal liability. Illegal transport and storage of waste, including railway waste, is a serious crime.

What's next for the 56-year-old?

The 56-year-old will be charged with illegally storing hazardous waste in Bytom, as well as under Article 183, paragraph 5, of the Penal Code, in conjunction with Article 12, paragraph 1, of the Penal Code. This charge concerns the illegal import or export of hazardous waste, specifically when such activity is committed on a continuous basis. The man was arrested and brought to the Bytom prosecutor's office the following day, where he was placed under police supervision.

"Remember that illegal waste is not only a legal issue but also a serious threat to the environment and human health. We remind you that transporting waste without the required permit may result in an administrative fine. For collecting or processing waste without the required permit, the fine is no less than 1,000 PLN and may reach 1,000,000 PLN," we read on the police website.

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