Tyres, asbestos and construction rubble are among the top items of commercial trash being tipped across Northern Ireland.
The latest statistics from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) reveal items from house clearances such as white goods and furniture are also among the most frequently dumped items.
Mark Cherry from NIEA’s Enforcement Branch said: “We are keen to remind all businesses, no matter how big or small, of their legal duty to dispose of their waste properly.
“In 2017 we had 155 incidents of tyres being dumped illegally reported to NIEA. A total of 30% were left at the side of a road, 23% dumped on farmland, 14% at bonfires and 12% on commercial premises”
“It’s their rubbish and their responsibility. Even if a business pays for someone to dispose of their waste they must ensure that it is stored, treated, transported and dealt with safely and properly.
“Some commercial operators want to avoid disposal costs and so dump the material. Our advice is to always use a licensed waste carrier or use an authorised waste management facility,” Mr Cherry added.
Throughout the year NIEA visits tyre retailers to remind them that end-of-life tyres must be disposed of properly and transported by a licensed waste carrier.
“In 2017 we had 155 incidents of tyres being dumped illegally reported to NIEA. A total of 30% were left at the side of a road, 23% dumped on farmland, 14% at bonfires and 12% on commercial premises,” Mr Cherry continued.
“We assess all reports and investigate any reasonable lines of enquiry with a view to enforcement action and possible prosecution, especially when there is a significant volume or waste or a pattern of repeat offending.”
Failing to deal with waste legally can result in businesses being prosecuted where the maximum fine is £50,000 or imprisonment.
Top waste by type:
- Tyres
- Asbestos
- Construction and demolition rubble (builders’ rubble)
- House clearance material (furniture, plastics, textiles)
- White goods (Fridges, washing machines)
- Trade waste relating to cardboard, paper, packaging.