Legal charges against waste operator

Mickael Mira, a 36-year-old professional with 17 years in the waste sector and 14 prior convictions, faces 30 months in prison, a detention order, and a fine of 200,000 euros. The charges relate to illegally exploiting two waste dumps in 2021 and 2022, one in a protected wooded natural area.

Prosecutor highlights criminal model

Prosecutor Michel Sastre described Mira as having established "a model of criminal exploitation" in the waste sector. He noted a shift in criminal activity towards waste management, emphasizing the scale and systematic nature of Mira’s operations.

Details of illegal waste storage

Authorities allege that Mira stored over 43,000 cubic meters of construction waste from major economic operators and institutional entities on 1.75 hectares without authorization. This was in violation of applicable rules and involved significant ground-raising works and unauthorized clearing of a forested area.

Mira's defense and claims

Mira defended himself by stating that he had not cleared the entire area and claimed cutting down ten trees was not the end of the world. He contested the evaluation of the volume of illegally stored waste and acknowledged minimal admissions on the 17 infractions he is accused of, while denouncing "a persecution."

Environmental and financial impact

The Agency for Environment and Energy Management (Ademe) spent nearly 1.2 million euros to process 8,000 tons of waste, including hazardous materials, from the Marseille dump. A lawyer for the commune of Peypin requested nearly 1.9 million euros in damages and interest for environmental restoration.

Pending judgment and legal context

The case against Mickael Mira will be judged on December 1st. His company, Eco bennes, managed by his partner due to a prohibition on managing waste, operated a second illegal dump in a residential area in Marseille.