At the end of April Environment Agency Officers and Essex Police were involved in a vehicle check of waste carriers in the Clacton area. A total of 25 vehicles used for transporting waste were stopped in the Clacton area and only two of these were registered. The Agency also found 15 companies or businesses that need to be registered as waste carriers.
Officers found several vehicles that were not complying with the Duty of Care, under which producers of waste are legally obliged to ensure that those who manage their waste on their behalf dispose of it in a proper and safe way.
A spokesman for the Agency said that advice was given to vehicle owners transporting waste regarding the need to stop waste escaping from their vehicles. Agency Officers were also informed of several illegal activities concerning the disposal of waste, which will be investigated further in the near future.
The check was carried out as part of the joint initiative between Tendring District Council and the Agency, aimed to clamp down on waste offences in the district, including fly tipping. During the year a concerted effort is being made in partnership with the Council to bring offenders before the courts.
Fixed penalty fines are also being issued by Agency and Council Officers to those who commit litter offences. Throwing rubbish from vehicles and minor fly tipping incidents could cost the culprits a fixed penalty of 50. Carriers of waste must register with the Agency or face a penalty of up to 5,000. The fee is 126 for three years
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