A recent investigation by 15min has uncovered a hidden system of illegal waste management in Lithuania. Alongside the official waste disposal infrastructure, illegal operators, including waste carriers and intermediaries, provide quicker and cheaper alternatives. However, these options often result in waste being dumped in forests, edges of fields, and abandoned quarries, where it is either burned, buried, or left unattended. The investigation highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement in the waste management sector.

The investigative team employed unconventional journalism techniques to expose these illicit practices. They used hidden cameras to capture illegal dumping activities, revealing how trucks unload waste and how members of criminal groups later set it ablaze. The use of drones and satellite imagery helped identify new illegal dumping sites and track their operational periods, while covert waste submissions with GPS transmitters provided concrete evidence of group activities. This innovative approach showcases the potential of investigative journalism in tackling environmental crimes.

As a result of the investigation, authorities are considering significant legal reforms to curb illegal waste management practices. Millions in fines have already been imposed, and there are ongoing discussions about amending existing laws to ensure stricter penalties for offenders. The consequences of these revelations extend beyond the legal realm, leading to job losses for some environmental officials who were either complicit or unable to prevent the illegal activities from occurring.