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SEPA serves civil penalties on illegal waste collectors advertising online

As part of its online work to disrupt lower-level waste criminality, SEPA has issued Fixed Monetary Penalties (FMPS) to four individuals across Scotland. One was caught transporting controlled waste without a waste carrier registration, while three others failed to provide legally required waste information when required by the regulator. 

The digital interventions project enforcement approach launched in 2024, supported by Scottish Government funding as part of the National Litter and Flytipping Strategy, is helping SEPA detect and disrupt waste crime online before it escalates into more serious criminality and causes further environmental harm. 

Illegal waste collectors fined

Through social media investigations and public information SEPA has identified unlicensed waste operators across Scotland. 

Kieran Elliott from Falkirk was identified through Facebook messages arranging waste collection in Slamannan without a valid waste carrier registration. 

Three men failed to provide legally required waste transfer information when served notices by SEPA: 

• Nathan Bell of Larkhall, trading as DNS Man and Van 
• Andrew Mulholland of Carnoustie trading as Andy's Man and Van Services 
• Paul Sanderson of Paisley trading as Paul Movers 

Waste transfer records are crucial for tracking waste to ensure it's handled lawfully and not illegally disposed of. 

The £300 FMPs are just one part of SEPA’s tactics to deter waste criminality.  

Paul Sanderson has separately been issued a £3,405.75 variable monetary penalty for depositing controlled waste in a leased container in Barrhead without the necessary licence.

Stopping waste crime at the source

SEPA’s digital approach is already delivering results with illegal operators identified, social media posts removed and further investigations underway.  

Information notices can be issued to individuals suspected of collecting and disposing of waste illegally, but the project has also helped operators who want to do the right thing.  

Some unlicenced businesses identified through the project have now registered as waste carriers and changed their practises to comply with waste regulations. One investigation into a Facebook post led to the discovery of an illegal waste site in east central Scotland. The operator, who was unaware of their legal obligations, cooperated fully with SEPA, has now registered as a waste carrier and ensured all accumulated waste was disposed of legally at licenced sites.  

George Hope, Unit Manager in SEPA’s enforcement support team, said 

“We're seeing a high number of illegal waste collection services advertised on social media, often targeting householders looking for a quick cheap way to get rid of unwanted items. It’s estimated between 50 and 60% may be operating without the required waste carrier registrations, meaning householders may unknowingly be handing their waste to rogue traders. These individuals undercut legitimate businesses and often dump waste illegally leaving local communities to deal with the consequences  

“By using digital investigations we're disrupting criminal activities at an early stage, stopping waste from being illegally dumped or burned before it becomes a bigger problem. These penalties should serve as a warning to unlicensed operators that SEPA will take action against those who fail to follow Scotland's environmental laws.” 

Don't let waste criminals win

People must be vigilant when hiring waste services and watch out for warning signs such as: 

• suspiciously low prices or same day services - if it seems too good to be true it probably is  
• no official contact - details legitimate businesses provide more than just a direct messaging option  
• claims of SEPA insurance - SEPA does not provide insurance  
• vague recycling promises - always check where your waste is going.

Before hiring a waste carrier, you should always ask for their SEPA waste carrier registration number and verify online. If they don’t provide details, don't risk it.