The owner of a trash incinerator in Auburn has failed to pay nearly $700,000 to a contractor, according to a lawsuit filed Friday.
Maine Waste to Energy has not paid contractor Zampell Refractories for six different jobs, totaling $678,505, alleged the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in Portland.
The trash incinerator has breached the contract, been unjustly enriched and violated the Maine Prompt Payment Act, the lawsuit said. Zampell also asked for mechanic’s liens against the property.
Zampell wants a judge to order the sale of the incinerator and property, with proceeds going to the contractor to pay off the liens, the lawsuit said.
A lawyer for Maine Waste to Energy did not respond to request for comment.
Zampell has worked with the trash incinerator for about 20 years, the lawsuit said. It has performed emergency repairs to help bring incinerators online when necessary.
Starting in September, the Auburn trash plant has failed to pay for six different repair jobs, the lawsuit said.
Maine is facing a trash crisis as other facilities in the state are either not operating or operating at a reduced capacity and sending trash to landfills. Juniper Ridge Landfill in Old Town is filling faster than expected and is seeking permission to expand.