New campaign crackdowns on illegal waste carriers

The Environment Agency has prosecuted several individuals in Cumbria for operating as waste carriers without being registered to do so.

The court proceedings were brought about as a result of a joint campaign launched by the Environment Agency (EA), the Benefit Agency, Cumbria Police and Allerdale Borough Council.

The EA has warned that any person who carries waste to make money or for business must register as a waste carrier. Failure to do so can cause harm to health and to the environment, as well as preventing the EA from ensuring the waste is being correctly disposed of.

The illegal operators were discovered during an investigation carried out early last year. Following their discovery, 11 of the 13 illegal carriers registered with the appropriate channels and were given a caution, but two failed to do so. They were then prosecuted at Workington Magistrates Court, where they were fined and asked to pay costs.

Environment Management Team Leader for the EA, Helen Love, said, "Joint operations such as this share resources and allow the Environment Agency to target those who are operating illegally to bring about a level playing field for all.

"Anyone who uses a waste firm to dispose of their waste needs to ensure that the waste is disposed of legally. It is an offence for a member of the public to give their waste to an unlawful firm. Remember to ask to see the company's waste carriers licence," she added.