We need each country to assess the size and scale of the problem in their own territory and work with us
Lord Chris Smith, Environment Agency
Lord Smith said that the illegal export of electrical waste was a “growing and persistent problem to human health and the environment.”
He called for more co-operation between countries and better sharing of criminal intelligence to help stop the spread of “the biggest growth area in environmental crime”.
At present half of the EA's 18 investigations into illegal waste export relate to WEEE.
It is estimated, by the United Nations Environment Programme, that 50 million tonnes of electrical waste is generated each year, with just 10% of this being recycled.
Lord Smith explained that the EA was currently trying to ascertain how much of this was being illegally exported using data from Customs, identifying low value electrical exports to known illegal export destinations, and shipment inspections.
Under European law, working or reparable electrical items can be exported for reuse, but it is always illegal to export electrical waste to be dumped overseas.
He added: “But further intelligence gathering and research is needed, and the Interpol Group offers a real opportunity to do this.”
“In order to tackle the problem more effectively we need each country to assess the size and scale of the problem in their own territory and work with us, across boundaries, to tackle it.”
He explained that using an intelligence-based approach to combating illegal WEEE exports from the UK had led to a 98% hit rate on illegal activity for the EA.
In the past the EA used “largely unsuccessful” random spot-checks to catch illegal exporters. Now it works with law enforcement agencies, public and private industry, shipping lines, the community and non-governmental organisations to organise more targeted checks.
This July the EA brought its first successful prosecution regarding e-waste export. Plymouth city council was ordered to pay £11,742 in fines and costs, for selling TV monitors and other potentially harmful wastes to unauthorised recyclers (see letsrecycle.com story).
The Agency has also arrested 11 people in relation to the illegal export of electrical waste. A further four cases are set to be heard in court over the next six weeks.
In November Interpol and the EA set up an E-Waste Crime Group to develop intelligence, information and understanding of the issues surrounding WEEE export (see letsrecycle.com story).
Lord Smith called on countries to work with the group and co-operate further. He commented: “In a world market, the key to combating illegal exports lies in developing this intelligence-based approach and increasing the exchange of information across boundaries.”
EA investigations have shown that organised crime networks involved in the illegal export of WEEE are often involved in other serious criminal activity including theft, people trafficking, fraud, drugs, smuggling, conspiracy, firearms and money laundering.
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