Waste cheats beware - from Monday (2 April 2007) the Environment Agency will be able to issue £300 fines to any businesses found to be illegally carrying waste.
Liz Parkes, Head of Waste at the Environment Agency, said:
"By law, businesses in England and Wales must be registered
with the Environment Agency if they transport waste. This
helps waste to be managed lawfully in this lucrative
industry, and to prevent fly-tipping and illegal dumping.
"However, we know there are some businesses who are avoiding
registering with us. These Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) will
act as a further deterrent to them and will give them a much-
needed jolt to make sure they stay on the right side of the
law.
The Environment Agency is implementing powers to issue FPNs
for certain environmental offence including failure to provide evidence of being a registered waste carrier and compliance with laws on the Duty of Care, and for some offences relating to managing hazardous wastes. These are set out in the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 and the Hazardous Waste Regulations. As there are currently no requirements for waste carriers or brokers to carry registration certificates with them, they have in the first instance seven days to produce the documents when asked. If they fail to do so within this time, an FPN may be issued.
Liz Parkes continued: "Use of FPNs will help encourage
businesses to comply with the law, particularly in the areas
of hazardous waste and waste transportation. FPNs also help
in our fight against illegal waste activity allowing us to
target our enforcement resources on tackling more serious waste crimes. It also means that we will be consistent in our approach with Local Authorities who have similar powers to issue FPNs."
"Over the past two years, we have made significant progress in tackling waste crimes such as large-scale illegal dumping of waste. We continue to work closely with local authorities
to tackle the general problem of smaller scale fly-tipping.
"Often the large scale and complex cases of illegal dumping
of waste are masterminded by criminals. This type of illegal
dumping of waste is not only an environmental problem, but
costs us all millions each year to clean up.
"Everyone has a duty to make sure their waste is disposed of
legally yet some people think they can get away with using
rogue traders. We want to encourage businesses to comply
with the law and stamp out the illegal businesses so that the only ones left are those that care about our environment."
To register as a waste carrier or broker or to check whether
the person collecting your waste is registered with the
Environment Agency, visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk or
call 08708 506 506.
Media enquiries: 020 7863 8710 (five lines), or outside
normal office hours, please contact the National Duty Press
Officer on 07798 882 092