And, the Agency has said that businesses who send their waste to illegal or unlicensed disposal companies could also be at risk of court action.
The Agency's Special Enforcement and Environment Management teams will be carrying out an enforcement campaign in the county during July and August 2002, specifically targeting illegally operating waste sites and small businesses involved in fly-tipping activities.
Nationally the clearance of fly-tipped wastes has been estimated to cost 150 million per annum of Council Tax-payers’ money. The Agency said there has been an escalation in the incidence of fly-tipping across Essex, “predominantly associated with small traders in the building, driveway construction, tree cutting, landscaping and house clearance businesses”.
Chris Window, special enforcement team leader for the Environment Agency said: “Businesses have a duty of care to ensure their waste is handled correctly, by registered waste carriers and disposed of legally. When waste is removed we strongly urge all businesses and residents to ask where their waste is going and whether the carrier is registered to carry waste.”
Mr Window added: “If you are unsure whether the carrier is registered then call the Environment Agency. Failing to do so will result in you and your business’s reputation being damaged with fines and court appearances.”
The illegal dumping of waste is a criminal offence. Fines can be up to 20,000 if the offence is dealt with by magistrates, but offenders taken to Crown Court risk unlimited fines and 2-year prison sentences.
Illegal waste transfer stations or fly-tipping of waste can be reported on the Agency’s free 24 hour emergency hotline 0800 80 70 60.
Register for free to comment