A former CEO, known as the “Waste Queen,” faces a massive fine as she stands trial in Sweden for her role in a significant environmental scandal. The charges involve the illegal disposal of toxic waste across the country.
“Waste Queen” and associates on trial
In Sweden, Bella Nilsson, a former CEO famously dubbed the “Waste Queen,” along with ten other defendants, is facing trial for allegedly being responsible for one of the country’s largest environmental scandals. Nilsson’s company, NMT Think Pink, is accused of illegally disposing of 200,000 tons of partially toxic waste across various parts of Sweden. The trial began on Tuesday in a court located north of Stockholm.
Bella Nilsson, who once called herself the “Waste Queen” and was previously a stripper, concealed her eyes behind large sunglasses as the trial commenced. Joining her in court were her ex-husband and company founder, Thomas Nilsson, the eccentric and wealthy reality TV show participant Leif Ivan Karlsson, and a self-proclaimed “waste broker,” Robert Silversten.
Illegal waste disposal and environmental damage
According to the prosecution, NMT Think Pink collected massive amounts of waste “without any intention or ability to handle it according to the law.” The waste, which included construction materials, electronics, metals, plastics, wood, tires, toys, and more, was stored unsorted and without adequate protection before being abandoned. This negligence led to the release of significant amounts of harmful chemicals, including PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), lead, mercury, and arsenic, into the air, soil, and water.
During its peak between 2018 and 2020, NMT Think Pink’s large, pink waste bags filled with construction debris were a common sight on the streets of Stockholm. Numerous municipalities, construction companies, housing associations, and households contracted the company for waste disposal services. Think Pink won several prestigious awards, including twice being named Sweden’s fastest-growing company. However, in 2020, the company’s leadership was arrested, and Think Pink declared bankruptcy.
Environmental impact and legal consequences
The investigation into the case produced a 45,000-page dossier. Prosecutor Linda Schön told the newspaper Dagens Nyheter that the scale of the illegal dumping sites was so vast that not all could be documented. However, she expressed confidence that the available evidence would “demonstrate the systematic nature of the crime.”
Several municipalities are seeking compensation for cleanup and decontamination costs, totaling 260 million Swedish kronor (23 million euros). The municipality of Botkyrka is particularly prominent in the case, as mountains of Think Pink waste caught fire, leading to months-long blazes in 2020 and 2021.
All the defendants deny the allegations. Bella Nilsson claims her company operated within the law and that she can explain everything, asserting that she is the victim of a conspiracy by competitors. The court is expected to hear testimony from 150 witnesses, with a verdict likely not expected until next spring.
