Public complaints help SEPA uncover illegal waste deposits
Date published: 11 September 2024
Information provided by members of the public has helped uncover and stop illegal waste activity at two sites in South West Scotland.
The activities were uncovered by officers from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) while responding to complaints from partner agencies and members of the public.
Swift action by SEPA has stopped further illegal waste activity from taking place and preventing further harm to the environment, while investigation and enquiries are ongoing.
A number of Waste Management Exemptions have been removed from the site operators, as the activities taking place did not meet the terms of the exemptions.
A large amount of waste has been deposited at each of these sites. Not only can this be unsightly, but it can also result in environmental impact via the release of harmful gases and liquids when waste is deposited at sites that are not designed and managed in a way that protects the environment.
Excavations have been carried out at one site to further inform the scale and nature of illegal deposits and identify those responsible for producing or disposing of the waste.
John Higgins, Enforcement Operations Senior Manager at SEPA, said:
“The public really are our eyes and ears across Scotland. The information we received, along with support from partner agencies, has enabled us to uncover this illegal activity and stop it continuing while we investigate further.
“We encourage everyone to be aware of the waste crime warning signs and report anything suspicious to us. These include unusual vehicle movements, operations at odd times of day or activity at unused sites, new odours or increased vermin activity. Landowners should also be alert to the risk of their land or premises being used for illegal waste deposits.”
Waste producers, waste management businesses and those transporting waste must comply with their legal obligations in respect of their Duty of Care for waste. It is not enough to check that a site has an authorisation to accept waste - the specific type of waste, and activity the waste will be subject to, must be authorised.
To report any suspected illegal waste disposal activity, members of the public can contact SEPA in confidence 24 hours a day, seven days a week online or by calling 0800 80 70 60.
Don’t give criminals your waste
Not only does waste crime have a serious impact on the environment, communities and legitimate businesses, but it also costs taxpayers tens of millions of pounds a year for clean-ups, avoided tax and lost revenue.
Members of the public can support the fight against waste crime by stopping criminals getting their hands on waste in the first place. Households and businesses have a duty to ensure the waste they produce is disposed of legally.
While platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are often used by legitimate service providers, SEPA has noted an increase in unregistered waste carriers offering to collect household and industrial waste, usually at a reduced rate.
John Higgins added:
“If an offer to dispose of your waste quickly and cheaply sounds too good to be true, it probably is – and it could lead to waste being illegally fly-tipped or disposed of by other illegitimate means.
“People can play their part by checking the person offering to pick up household or business waste is a registered waste carrier on SEPA’s website and confirming that the waste will be taken to a licensed site.”
Criminals carrying out these activities face significant consequences with those caught risking a criminal conviction, a fine and imprisonment. SEPA can also issue Variable Monetary Penalties of up to £40,000 as an enforcement tool.
Notes to editors
SEPA are unable to facilitate any interview requests in relation to this press release.
We can provide an audio or video file of John Higgins. Please contact media@sepa.org.uk
Check
Check the company being hired to remove waste is registered with SEPA
You can also contact SEPA to check a Waste Carrier Licence number you have been given if you cannot find it online
Remember companies that operate in different parts of the UK may be registered with the Environment Agency or Natural Resources Wales
A registration with SEPA, the EA or NWR is valid in any of these three countries. Your carrier will tell you where they are registered