SEPA has said that the number of digital platforms promoting illegal waste collection services has hit an “all-time high”.
The digital regulation pilot is said to have already identified that “between 50- 60%” of businesses advertising on social media could be breaking the law, by operating without holding the required waste carrier licence. And consequently, people handing over their waste may be contributing to flytipping and other waste crime.
The pilot, which is in collaboration with partner agencies, has already seen seven social media profiles and their posts removed from online platforms.
SEPA has said its officers are “pursuing several lines of enquiry” as a result of identifying unlicensed operators online.
Supported by additional funding from the Scottish government, the pilot is part of the National Litter and Flytipping Strategy, which sets out to “tackle litter and flytipping in Scotland”.
SEPA has called for social media users to be aware of posts such as adverts offering junk removal, waste clearances, “man with a van” and tip collection services. SEPA has said that although these might look “professional and legitimate”, that it isn’t “always the case”.
The Agency stated that corrupt operators advertising their services online may dispose of the waste through flytipping and burning, “blighting” Scotland’s environment.
SEPA have released tell-tale signs to look out for online:
- Cheap or same day waste collection
- Claim to be “SEPA insured” – SEPA does not provide insurance.
- Claims that “waste is all recycled where it can be”
- No other way to contact them other than direct messaging.
Jennifer Shearer, head of enforcement at SEPA, said: “Since the pandemic, we have seen a growing trend of waste collection and junk removal adverts moving online to social media platforms. These businesses can look very professional and legitimate, with engaging adverts and reviews of great services, but what we are finding is they are often illegal.
“Capitalising on householders looking for a quick, same-day service, these rogue traders are operating unlawfully, without the correct licences, and are often illegally disposing of the waste in Scotland’s environment.
“Through our new pilot, we are finding new ways to detect, disrupt and remove illegal operators advertising on social media and taking further enforcement action when necessary. We are also highlighting to householders what they can do to protect themselves and the environment from the impacts of these illegal operators.”
In the coming months, SEPA has said it will continue to identify profiles used to advertise online waste collection services and investigate if they are operating legally, in turn, “allowing a better understanding of the scale of the problem”.
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