The regulator explained that it is part of a “fresh appeal” for information as part of an ongoing investigation into waste crime in Johnstone, Renfrewshire. Along with inspections, the ‘day of action’ saw the officers appeal to local residents and businesses to report instances of illegal dumping or suspected activity to help shape the investigation.
SEPA said that a large amount of waste has allegedly been deposited at an illegal site in the area. It warned that “this can result in environmental impact with the release of harmful gases and liquids as biodegradable waste degrades over time”.
‘Vigilant’
SEPA’s senior enforcement manager John Higgins outlined that members of the public should be vigilant of anything suspicious such as unusual vehicle movement or activity at unused sites. “Landowners should also be alert to the risk of their land or premises being used for illegal waste deposits,” he added.
Mr Higgins noted that as well as having a “serious impact” on the environment, communities and legitimate businesses, it costs taxpayers “tens of millions of pounds a year for clean-ups, avoided tax and lost revenue”.
He continued that while criminals involved “will find new ways to break the law, SEPA will continue to adapt, working closely with other agencies”. Mr Higgins stated that the agency is making increased use of technologies to detect criminal activity and build “the most accurate picture possible”.
Duty of care
SEPA advised households and businesses to ensure the waste they produce is disposed of legally. The agency said it has noted an increase in unregistered waste carriers offering to collect household and industrial waste, usually at a reduced rate, often on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree.
“If services sound too good to be true, they probably are – and could lead to waste being illegally fly-tipped or disposed of by other illegitimate means,” Mr Higgins added. He recommended checking the service provider is a registered waste carrier on SEPA’s website and that the waste will be taken to a licensed site.
According to SEPA, criminals carrying out these activities face a risk of criminal conviction, a fine and imprisonment. The agency also said it can issue variable monetary penalties of up to £40,000.
Any suspected illegal waste disposal activity can be reported online at sepa.org.uk/report or by calling 0800 80 70 60, SEPA concluded.
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