New plans to deal with waste crime were announced by Therese Coffey, Minister for Environment. These include giving the Environment Agency greater power to address the issue. The Environment Agency will be able to stop access to problem waste areas in a bid to reduce the likelihood of waste amassing there. For example they will be able to lock gates to prevent entry or put barriers in place. These new powers will be implemented in the spring once they have been approved in parliament.
As well as this extension of power being implemented to deal with the problem, a consultation, which will assess proposals to deal with this type of crime, has also been announced by DEFRA. These new methods of addressing the issue include being able to fine people whose waste is illegally disposed of and making it possible for people to check that operators are licenced online to reduce the risk of dumping and fly tipping. The application process and criteria for gaining an Environment Agency waste permit could also be reviewed.
The Environment Minister has spoken of the importance of the consultation, stating: “Our new consultation looks more widely at the waste sector and we are keen to hear from industry and the public how we can improve performance, tackle illegality and protect our precious environment. Acumen is a leading provider of Waste Management Solutions and Industrial Site Services and operates throughout the UK.
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