Waste Crime – What to Watch Out For & What to Avoid!
15 March 2024 by CSG
The waste industry has come a long way since the days of digging a hole in the ground and burying it.
CSG has more 90 years of experience in handling domestic and industrial waste. Since 1934, we have strived to remain at the forefront of sustainable and ethical waste management.
However, many of the companies offering waste management services are not striving towards the same goal.
More than 238 000 unregistered business or individuals are offering to handle waste
- fly-tipping, which cost English taxpayers an estimated £392 million a year and,
- operations of illegal waste sites cost taxpayers an estimated £236 million a year
The cost of waste crime accumulates through:
- misclassification of waste affecting the loss in Landfill Tax paid,
- the clean-up after fly-tipping,
- environmental and social cost,
- EA enforcements actions to tackle waste crime,
- and managing and preventing waste fires.
On top of all of this, there is also a cost of diverting waste from legitimate businesses and depriving them of revenue.
Whose responsibility is it to ensure waste management compliance?
The simple answer is everyone’s.
To handle waste businesses and individuals must obtain a waste carrier licence.
Equally, you are responsible for checking that anyone removing your waste has the legal authority to do so. Failure to follow these rules could result in personal prosecution.
Recent surveys conducted by YouGov indicate that there is a lack of awareness among consumers and businesses of their legal duty of care. Nearly two thirds (65%) admitted to not knowing how to check that their waste carrier was legally authorised to do so.
I need to dispose of waste – what should I look for?
Check with your local council
Firstly, if you are removing waste from your own household check with your local council. They often have recycling centres where you can take most wastes, hazardous and non-hazardous, large, and small. Some councils also offer collection for some items if you yourself would be unable to take them.
The rules about taking the waste to recycling facilities might be different for businesses. However, the local council can often offer you advice on where and who in the area is able to take it. If the local council is unable to help, there are a multitude of online resources available. Alternatively, you can always contact a specialist with credentials for advice.
Check their credentials
It is your responsibility to check that anyone who collects your waste has a Waste Carriers Licence. They should also be registered on the Environments Agency’s Public Register.
The information is often readily available on the websites, or via company communication. CSG’s licence, as well as many other accreditations, permits and licences, are available here.
As a business, you must also get a Waste Transfer Note, signed by you and the waste carrier of your choice. The WTN details necessary information about the waste, the customer and the waste carrier removing it.
Additionally, there are other credentials that could further strengthen the company’s competence. For example, ISO & OHAS Accreditations, PPC Permits, CIWM Memberships etc.
Can they complete the job?
Waste management is complex and there are many types of waste streams. Each waste stream will have different requirements for collection, treatment, recycling, and disposal. Therefore, it is important that you check with your chosen waste carrier that they can take in and handle your waste.
At CSG we offer a comprehensive waste collection, treatment, recovery, and disposal service throughout the UK. Our Sales Executives will help you find the best options for all your business waste needs.
