Environment Agency Cracks Down On Industrial Waste
In the 2013 Waste Crime Report, it was highlighted that the Environment Agency shuts down 25 illegal industrial waste sites every week. In the Agency’s new report it was highlighted that the number of illegal waste sites being shut down, has increased over the last year.
Illegal Industrial Waste Sites On The Rise
In 2012, the Environment Agency reported that it closed down 1,279 illegal waste sites – that is the equivalent of 25 sites a week. In the second annual Waste Crime Report published on October 14th 2013, it was found that the number of sites stopped by the Environment Agency increased by 70% in the 2011/12 figures. It was as a result of these high figures that the Agency setting up an Illegal Waste Sites Taskforce.
Not only are these sites causing untold damage to the environment, but undercutting legitimate industrial waste businesses. Often illegal sites will offer waste collection, treatment and disposal at a much lower price that their competitors, and have no intention of disposing over your waste in a safe and conscious manner.
Ed Mitchell, Director of Environment and Business at the Environment Agency said, “Waste crime puts people and the environment at risk, and undermines the legitimate waste industry. We are taking tough action to deal with this problem, through the improved use of intelligence and stronger partnerships with the police and other enforcement bodies. The two year Illegal Waste Sites Taskforce has been hugely successful in slashing the number of illegal waste sites operating in England.”
Although there is still a lot to be done, the report shows that most illegal waste sites are shut down within 12 months. Over the last year the courts have confiscated over £1.3million from waste criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act, and have developed strong relationships with the police and other enforcement bodies to help uncover and close more illegal waste sites.
Develop A Partnership With Your Waste Contractor
Whilst the Environment Agency is working hard to shut down illegal waste sites, waste producers can also help by ensuring that their waste contractor uses a registered disposal site.
When procuring a waste or recycling management company, it is important to make sure that they have, or use, a registered waste disposal site. They should provide you will all the relevant consignment details for your records, helping to ensure that you are operating your industrial waste management within the law.
If you are unsure about your environmental obligations, talk to a reliable waste contractor such as Recycling Services. They can guide you through all aspects of your industrial waste plan, and help you to implement sustainable zero waste targets. They will work with you in a proactive partnership in order to drive your recycling levels up and costs down. At Recycling Services they can provide comprehensive detailed environmental reporting, and full compliance with all legislation.
If you want to take responsibility for your industrial waste, talk to Recycling Services today. An innovative and progressive waste management company, they will help you to see your waste as a resource. For more information go to www.recycling-services.co.uk or call 0870 850 3074.
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Cory Environmental Nationwide House Stafford Park 7 Shropshire TF3 3BQ Telephone:0845 337 3422
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