Laura Sharman 21 January 2022

New proposals to tackle waste crime

New proposals to tackle waste crime image
Image: urbanbuzz / Shutterstock.com

New proposals to tackle fly-tipping and illegal waste exports have been unveiled by the Government today.

One proposal to reform the waste industry is stricter background checks for firms who move or trade waste. This would make it harder for unregistered operators to find work in the sector and make it easier for regulators to take action against rogue operators.

The Government is also considering the introduction of mandatory digital waste tracking to enable regulators to better detect illegal activity and tackle waste crime.

Environment minister, Jo Churchill, said: 'Reforming the licensing system will clamp down on abuse of the system and new mandatory digital waste tracking will greatly improve transparency in the sector and make it easier for householders to check that their waste is being disposed of legally.

'Together, these reforms will stop criminals abusing the waste system and make it easier to prosecute offenders successfully.'

Councils dealt with record levels of fly-tipping last year, dealing with 1.13 million fly-tipping incidents in 2020/21, an increase of 16% from 2019/20.

Jacob Hayler, executive director at the Environmental Services Association (ESA), added: 'This could be a pivotal moment in the fight against waste crime, a scourge which severely undermines confidence and investment at a crucial time for our sector.

'ESA is very supportive of the policy proposals outlined which should help to make life difficult for criminals infiltrating our sector and making a fast buck at the expense of legitimate operators and the environment.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner