Once-Acclaimed Waste Management Firm Faces Trial Over Alleged Illegal Dumping in Sweden

A once-celebrated waste management company, Think Pink, is now at the center of a major legal battle in Sweden, facing accusations of illegally dumping or burying approximately 200,000 tonnes of waste. The company, which gained widespread recognition for its low-cost waste disposal and recycling services, is under scrutiny as eleven individuals linked to the firm, including its former chief executive, are set to stand trial.

The former CEO, Bella Nilsson, an entrepreneur who once dubbed herself the “queen of trash,” is one of the key figures in the case. Nilsson, along with her ex-husband, Thomas Nilsson, will be the primary focus of the trial. Prosecutors have alleged that Think Pink engaged in illegal activities by disposing of waste at 21 different locations across Sweden, in a manner that could pose risks to both human health and the environment.

The company, known for its distinctive pink bags used in waste collection, was a prominent player in the industry between 2018 and 2020. However, its fortunes took a dramatic turn when the owners were arrested in 2020, leading to the company’s eventual bankruptcy. According to the prosecution, NMT Think Pink “collected waste with no intention or ability to handle it in line with environmental legislation.”

The trial, which is expected to last until May, will see the other nine defendants facing various charges, including aiding and abetting serious environmental crimes. Despite the gravity of the allegations, all of the accused have denied any wrongdoing.

The case, which is set to unfold over the next nine months, could have significant implications for environmental law enforcement and corporate responsibility in Sweden.

By fLEXI tEAM