A hazardous waste removal operation from the Astrasol factory in Latsia was completed early Wednesday morning, authorities announced.

A total of fourteen tonnes of toxic waste, gathered at the factory site over 15 years was finally removed, marking the end of a longstanding environmental and social impasse, according to the agriculture ministry.

Local residents had for years expressed concerns about the existence of hazardous chemical waste next to their homes.

The removal was completed in the allocated timeframe through the smooth coordination of all relevant authorities in a “safe and controlled” manner, the environment department said.

The waste was transported to a licensed hazardous waste facility where final destruction will take place, following “the highest standards of environmental protection”, the department added.

It thanked the municipality of Latsia and Yeri and all bodies that contributed to the successful completion of the work.

“Officers worked […] months to overcome legal issues [and] carry out labour-intensive and technically demanding preparation [of the material] for its collection and transport, [prioritising] public health and the environment, [and] under continuous supervision,” the department said.

“With will, diligence [and] coordination, serious environmental challenges can be addressed,” the announcement concluded.