The Environment Agency (EA) has revealed that over a third of illegally dumped waste is from households.
The regulator is now urging homes to avoid illegal waste operators by taking extra care when it comes to disposing of rubbish.
A recent change in the law means that householders found to be knowingly involved in the illegal dumping of waste, could be liable for Landfill Tax or prosecuted alongside the actual illegal operators.
It’s been found that unlicensed waste operators target householders via social media or local advertising, often luring customers with cheaper rates to dispose of unwanted furniture, building rubble or garden waste.
“Households also have a responsibility to ensure their waste is collected by a responsible operator who will not pollute the environment with waste or cost thousands to clear up and make safe.”
An Environment Agency spokesperson, said: “We must all come together to win the fight against waste criminals. We’re doing our part with enforcement action and prosecution, whenever necessary. But we cannot do this alone. Households also have a responsibility to ensure their waste is collected by a responsible operator who will not pollute the environment with waste or cost thousands to clear up and make safe.”
It’s estimated to cost the UK economy £600M every year, the equivalent of a new and fully staffed NHS hospital. More than 850 new illegal waste sites were discovered by the EA in 2016-17. While an average of two illegal waste sites are shut down every day, they continue to create severe problems for local communities and business, particularly in rural areas, as well as posing a risk to key national infrastructure.
To avoid contributing to waste crime, householders are advised to check the waste management operator being used is a registered waste carrier.
Registration documents should available on request and should be inspected before services are rendered. To check environmental permits, head to: https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register, or call 03708 506506.