30-May-2006 - Rogue traders
and waste criminals had nowhere to hide as the
Environment Agency teamed up with Luton Borough
Council and other partners in a multi-agency stop-and-search.
On Wednesday 24 May officers
from the Environment Agency were on hand at Operation
Compete to investigate drivers and their vehicles
suspected of waste crime.
Our officers stopped three vehicles
on the day. One of the vehicles stopped was carrying
scrap metal and will be investigated further.
Another driver was given details on how to become
a registered waste carrier after being stopped
with a small quantity of waste on board.
"Combining our expertise
with the council, the police and other specialist
organisations was a surefire way to crack down
on waste criminals and rogue traders", said
special enforcement officer Brian Golesworthy.
"Somewhere in England,
waste is dumped illegally every 35 seconds - costing
the local council and ourselves £100 a minute
to clear up the mess. This is unacceptable. Taking
part in these mutli-agency operations is one way
we are working to take illegal waste of the streets
and put the criminals out of business.
"Residents can play their
part by taking responsibility for their own waste.
Make sure they use registered waste carriers and
if they have any doubts to contact us on 08708
506506."
Other agencies included Trading
Standards, Bedfordshire Police, DVLA, Building
Services, the Fire Service and the Community Safety
Team.
This scheme reinforces the Environment
Agency's 'Dump on illegal dumping' campaign launched
last summer to crack down on illegal dumping and
fly-tipping. The targets of the campaign range
from businesses that flout the law and turn a
blind eye to where their rubbish is going, to
dumpers who are making a profit from an illegal
trade.
Luton residents will have seen
the lamp post banners around the town featuring
people with the slogan 'I've helped keep Luton
clean', encouraging everyone to play their part
in the crackdown.
Waste given to unregistered
waste carriers could end up illegally dumped.
The penalty for this is £50,000 and/or a
prison sentence - and residents have a vital role
to play to help keep Luton clean.
This message is now even more
relevant, as on November 21 2005 householders
became legally responsible for ensuring that their
rubbish is only passed to authorised waste carriers,
under the waste Duty of Care regulations, and
can face fines of up to £5,000 if reasonable
measures are not taken.
Notes:
All household waste can be disposed
of at tips free of charge. If residents are unable
to take bulky waste to the tip themselves they
can contact the council. People using waste carriers
other than the council to remove household, garden
or construction waste.
1. Consider whether the contractor
falls into one of the following categories: all
building and allied trades; landscape gardeners,
tree fellers and surgeons; house clearers; retail
establishments; and scrap metal dealers. These
are occupations that will normally need a waste
carrier registration.
2. Ask the contractor whether
they are a registered waste carrier number. If
they are not registered, refuse the service, and
advise them that they need to speak with the Environment
Agency 08708 506506.
3. If they claim to be registered,
telephone the Environment Agency on 08708 506506
and request an instant Waste Carrier Validation
Check or check online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/publicregister.
