Public consultation opens on expanding Castelo Branco industrial landfill

Portugal's environment agency APA has opened a public consultation, running until 21 August, on plans to expand the Banais Industrial Waste Landfill in Castelo Branco. The project by operator BioSmart would raise total disposal capacity from 488,750 to 639,250 tonnes through the construction of a third cell. Opened in 2003, the site is one of three landfills of its kind nationally and received 37,355 tonnes of non-hazardous waste in 2023. The facility has faced repeated controversies, including parliamentary questions and allegations by Bloco de Esquerda of hazardous waste and asbestos being received in past years.