This is one fire too many on the Recydel site in Liège: “It seems as if, for them, repeated fires are part of recycling”

With the high winds this weekend, the smoke was largely carried towards the neighboring districts, and in particular that of Cheratte. Citizens of the municipalities of Herstal and Visé were also invited to close their doors and windows to avoid any inhalation.

In the evening, the authorities finally indicated that “the fumes were not toxic”. The fumes never seem toxic and, yet, “the smells are disgusting and it is the local residents who pay the price”, indicates a collective at the origin of a petition requesting the refusal to extend the company’s activities.

A new fire on the Renewi site, in Wandre (Liège).

As a reminder, last September, Recydel submitted a permit request to add a hazardous waste consolidation activity on the site. A project which had alerted the authorities of the cities of Liège and Visé, concerned about repeated fires.

Last August, Vert Ardent denounced this “security problem that degrades the quality of neighborhood life”. Councilor Caroline Saal insists in particular on the fact that the safety of local residents is a municipal responsibility and that “the City of Liège must demand answers, but also solutions from society”. “Why are there so many fires, and how to prevent them”?

The mayor of Liège, Willy Demeyer, has indicated that he will convene a special commission on May 22 to discuss the future of the site. The opportunity to question Recydel management on risk management.

Good news for Vert Ardent, which welcomes “for having brought the voice of the Wandrians into the public debate”. “For too many years, they were not listened to or respected and the situation was not taken seriously enough”, concludes the elected representative. The latter also regrets that, too often, the College has absolved itself of all responsibility, considering that the Walloon Region, competent in environmental matters, had to ensure the good management of the factory. .

The SPW considers the request for extension of the Renewi site in Liège unacceptable as it stands: “We need measures to avoid repeated fires”.

In total, the public inquiry relating to Recydel’s extension request received 1,376 complaints. According to our information, the SPW requested additional plans last December. The procedure is therefore currently at a standstill, waiting for Recydel to complete its file.