Catalonia accused of hazwaste monopoly

Waste contractors from other regions have been kicked out, and companies are now obliged to send hazardous wastes to GRICSA, a private firm that holds the concession for hazardous waste management in the autonomous region, reports El Paìs.

The move has angered external waste firms, who have lost a substantial amount of business. The Catalan region is the most industrialised by far the largest generator of hazardous wastes in Spain, producing over 1 million tonnes/year – around one-third of the national total.

The new system is also opposed by local chemical industry, says El Paìs, as GRICSA is charging official rates that are much higher than the market price. GRICSA is owned 10% by the local Government, with the French and German firms Vivendi and RWE as main shareholders.