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Police and council join forces over illegal waste

Alexandra BassinghamWest of England
News imageGetty Images A collection of scrap metal and plastics in a big messy pile. There are what looks like seats and washing clothes airers and all sorts of other metals and plastics.Getty Images
The work was "not just about stopping people without waste carriers licences", but also about raising awareness, project bosses said

Police have joined forces with a local authority to target fly-tipping and illegal waste and scrap metal dealing across a county.

Wiltshire Police carried out the operations with environment enforcement officers from Wiltshire Council as part of Rural Crime Action Week.

A total of 25 vehicles transporting waste or scrap metal were stopped to ensure compliance with licensing regulations, project leaders said.

Martin Smith, council cabinet member for highways, streetscene and Flooding said: "It's not just about stopping people without waste carriers licences, it also helps us to raise awareness."

News imageA pile of fly-tipped rubbish which is difficult to tell what it is, including materials, plastics and general rubbish.
Anyone found not to have the correct licence faces a fixed penalty notices or prosecution

Smith said the joint force approach had been "a strong example of effective partnership", with plans to carry out more across the county.

All scrap metal dealers operating in Wiltshire must hold a valid scrap metal dealer's licence and an upper tier waste carrier's licence, with licences specific to each local authority area.

Businesses that produced or transported waste, including scrap metal and garden waste, must have a valid waste carrier's licence issued by the Environment Agency and maintain proper waste transfer documentation.

Anyone found not to have the correct licence can face being issued with a fixed penalty notices or prosecution.

Tips for residents and businesses, who have a legal duty of care when disposing of waste include:

  • Check for a valid upper tier waste carrier licence
  • Record the waste carrier's licence number
  • Request a receipt or waste transfer note
  • Note the vehicle registration and a description of the individuals involved
  • Ask where the waste will be taken

Assistant Chief Inspector Andy Lemon, of Wiltshire Police, said: "Fly-tipping causes serious harm to our environment and is an issue we must tackle head-on here in Wiltshire.

"It not only spoils our beautiful countryside, but also places a significant financial burden on our already stretched local authorities."

Photographs of tipping can be sent to police via the force's website.

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