We talk a lot about the importance of checking that your waste removal professionals are fully certified to be handling your waste and will dispose of it in a legal and environmentally friendly way. We've seen a lot of stories in local media in the past few weeks that show exactly why we are so concerned about illegal waste removal.  The welfare of our environment is very important to us, which is why we recycle whenever we can, but we also care about our clients and don’t want to see them being ripped off or worse!

Ask to See a Licence

A man from Soham, Cambridgeshire last week was ordered to pay almost £3,000 in fines and court costs as he was found guilty of profiting from scrap metal and carrying controlled waste without a Waste Carriers Licence. Anybody that transports or sells unwanted scrap metal is required by law to register with the Environmental Agency and purchase a licence which costs around £150 and lasts for 3 years. If you are found handling this type of waste without a licence you are liable for a hefty penalty.

Tipping in Public Spaces

People that offer to take away rubbish for a small price or even for free make their money illegally. The way that this man made money was by selling the metal to scrap yards, however not all individuals can make profit from selling on materials they are offering to remove. If this is the case, often the waste is dumped in public spaces.

Your Waste is Traceable

In a particularly distressing case, one man found himself at the centre of a flytipping incident involving the possessions of his recently deceased Father. The man gave up the belongings to two people working on behalf of the British Heart Foundation, requesting that they be recycled. The unsaleable items were agreed to be disposed of for £150. The two BHF workers gave the items to an unlicensed individual who then dumped them in a forest. Mr Locker, working for the BHF, has since lost his job working for the charity and was ordered to pay just under £500 in fines for using illegal waste removal services.

"It could be you who ends up in court"

Due to the fact that the unlicensed person could not be traced, it was Mr Locker who was charged as he failed to check for proper documentation. A spokesperson for the local environmental services said:

“This should be a lesson to all residents, there are unscrupulous people out there who will take away your rubbish and dump it illegally […] if they cannot be found and the rubbish is traced back to you, it could be you who ends up in court”.

Safe & Legal

It is important to keep in mind the effects that using unlicensed waste carriers can have on the environment, but also the risks that you put yourself under if flytipped waste is traced back to you. ALWAYS ask to see a Waste Carriers Licence to ensure that your rubbish is being handled safely and legally. Clearance and Clean Up are a fully licenced company and are capable of removing any waste you need taking care of. Get in touch if you think we can help!

_____

Sources:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/149442.aspx
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/10612231.Charity_driver_admits_fly_tipping_offence_after_dead_man_s_items_dumped/