The figure, which relates to the cost of removing waste
dumped in fields and empty commercial properties
lawfully, could be even higher if land is contaminated or
insurance premiums rise as a result. Dumped waste is also
a major fire risk.
In a bid to stop waste criminals in their tracks, the
Environment Agency is reaching out to property and land
owners, commercial property agents, trade associations
and local authorities. Their aim is to warn of the
dangers posed by waste criminals and advise them, their
clients and their members how they can better protect
themselves.
Jamie Fletcher, Area Environment Manager, from the
Environment Agency said:
Waste criminals operate throughout the country,
offering to remove waste cheaply and then dumping it in
fields or empty warehouses. They tend to move to new
areas as enforcement agencies become wise to their
activities. We know it’s only a matter of time before
they target us again so we’re sending out a strong
message: Waste criminals are not welcome here and we’re
doing everything in our power to deter and catch them.
We can’t do it alone. We work closely with partners to
share intelligence on illegal waste activity. And we’re
encouraging everyone to do their bit: for property and
land owners to be vigilant and better protect
themselves and for all businesses, organisations and
individuals to manage their waste responsibly,
preventing it from getting into criminal hands in the
first place.
Land and property owners are advised to:
- Check any empty land and property regularly and make
sure it is secure.
- Carry out rigorous checks on prospective and new
tenants. Land and property owners have a responsibility
to ensure anyone leasing their land/property complies
with regulations. They may be committing an offence by
allowing waste to be stored on land or property without
the relevant permissions and could leave them liable to
prosecution
- Be vigilant and report any unusual behaviour.
Advice for
businesses
There are around 4,000 commercial properties across the
North East thought to be empty, which are owned by up to
1,500 businesses and organisations, including fund
management companies and local authorities.
The Environment Agency is also advising businesses and
organisations of their responsibility to ensure their
waste is managed appropriately. Anyone who produces,
stores and manages waste is obligated to ensure waste
does not cause harm to human health or pollution to the
environment under waste under Duty of Care legislation.
Waste crime diverts as much as £1 billion per annum from
legitimate business and the treasury. Since April 2011
the Environment Agency has invested £65.2 million
nationally to address it. Its specialist crime unit uses
intelligence to track and prosecute organised crime gangs
involved in illegal waste activity and to ensure any
necessary action is taken against them.
The Environment Agency also works with partners to share
intelligence on illegal waste activity and to put in
place contingency plans to reduce the risk from a small
number of abandoned sites at risk of fire
