State secretary says burning of recycling ‘not a regular occurrence’

The Brussels state secretary charged with public waste, Fadila Laanan, has responded to questions regarding recent news that sorted recycling in Brussels was recently burned along with regular rubbish. According to Laanan, measures have previously been taken to improve waste management, and this was an isolated incident.

“We are investing in the necessary resources to improve waste disposal,” a spokesperson from her office told Bruzz. Burning all the waste together “isn’t a regular occurrence”.

Unions, however, beg to differ, blaming the burning the recycling on a chronic shortage of staff and bin lorries. The region has hired additional personnel this year, as well as purchased more lorries.

“If it appears that there is still a problem,” said the spokesperson, “we could take more measures, but that has not yet been decided. We are currently evaluating our rubbish pick-up schedule. All options remain open.”

Laanan is expected to provide an explanation of the incident tomorrow in parliament.