Paid for removal, but the waste ended up in the forest
In the Trakai district, near the Vosyliukai settlement, about 450 kg of burnt wood and other post-fire waste were found in the forest. After determining the origin of the waste, it turned out that it was formed from a sauna belonging to private individuals that had burned down. The owners themselves did not take the garbage to the forest – they entrusted the removal to persons offering such a service and paid for it. However, instead of being handed over to a legitimate handler, the waste was dumped in a state forest.
The local community helped identify the offenders – information about the found garbage was publicized in gardening associations. Data about the rented vehicle used to transport the waste also helped in identifying the offenders.
This situation reminds us that when ordering waste removal services, it is important to inquire about who provides the service and where the waste will be delivered. Residents are recommended to choose legally operating waste handlers and ensure that the collected waste reaches the designated places. It is also important to request documents confirming that the waste was handed over to a legitimate waste handler.
Offenders revealed by video cameras
Meanwhile, in a forest belonging to the VMU Trakai regional division in the Kaišiadorys district, green waste – tree and shrub branches – was dumped. People brought the waste to a place where there used to be a VMU branch storage. At that time, the branches were removed from the storage, and the residents transported the green waste further. The violations were recorded by surveillance cameras. According to VMU specialists, about 2 tons of garbage were left here.
Six administrative offense protocols were drawn up for the persons who left the green waste, fines were imposed, and the offenders cleaned up the waste themselves.
Foresters say that dry wood and branches increase the risk of fires – they can accelerate the spread of fire and complicate firefighting. In addition, the unauthorized waste pile can encourage others to leave their garbage there. Therefore, even green waste must be managed in designated places and not taken into nature.
Left more than half a ton of waste in the forest
The third case was recorded in a state forest of the Trakai regional division, where more than half a ton of various waste was found. Foresters managed to identify the person who brought it.
An administrative offense protocol was drawn up for the person and a fine was imposed. The offender also ensured that the waste was collected and handed over to a legitimate handler at their own expense. According to foresters, 560 kg of waste was delivered to the waste handler.
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Thus, in these three cases, about 3 tons of waste were left in the forests in total.
VMU reminds that waste left in nature not only spoils the landscape but also pollutes the soil and groundwater. Collecting, removing, and handing over waste to handlers requires additional work and financial resources.
Tens of tons of tires in the forests
The cases recorded in the forests of the VMU Trakai regional division are part of a broader problem. According to VMU data, from the beginning of 2026 until mid-July, 46.19 tons of waste were accounted for in forests administered by regional divisions. The largest portion of waste consisted of used, unsuitable tires, with a total weight exceeding 27 tons. Of these, 5.98 tons were found in the forests of the VMU Trakai regional division.
Also, during this period, more than 10 tons of mixed waste and more than 4 tons of asbestos-containing construction materials were found in state forests managed by VMU under trust rights.
Liability for waste dumping
VMU reminds that leaving waste in the forest can lead to administrative, and in cases specified by law – criminal liability.
Article 247 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Lithuania provides liability for failure to comply with the requirements of waste management regulations and environmental pollution by waste. Specific liability depends on the circumstances of the violation, the type, and quantity of waste.
A fine is not always the only consequence of the violation. If the person who dumped the waste is identified, they may also have to arrange for the collection and proper disposal of the waste at their own expense.
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