In a day of action in Lincolnshire, the Environment Agency and its Clean Sweep partners clamped down on waste crime.
The Environment Agency visited waste sites which are suspected to be operating illegally or in breach of their permit conditions.
The Environment Agency and partners, including Lincolnshire Police, Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), South Kesteven Council and HM Revenue & Customs, joined forces. They joined together to crack down on illegal waste activities in Lincolnshire – named Operation Clean Sweep.
In a targeted day of action, a number of vehicles were stopped and checked to ensure that they were operating in line with the law. Partners issued fixed penalty notices to unlicensed waste carriers, with further enforcement notices being issued by Lincolnshire Police and the DVSA. A fixed penalty notice was issued by South Kesteven District Council with follow-up enquiries made by the Environment Agency on vehicles found transporting hazardous waste.
The Environment Agency also visited waste sites which are suspected to be operating illegally or in breach of their permit conditions. One site was found to be storing thousands of tyres illegally and has now been instructed to stop all activities.
Stuart Hoyle, waste crime engagement specialist for the Environment Agency in Lincolnshire, said: “Waste crime undermines legitimate business, can cause harm to the environment and misery for local people.
“ We are continuing to work with our enforcement partners in pursuing those committing illegal waste activities across Lincolnshire. We remain committed to preventing and disrupting fly-tipping, large scale waste dumping and the closure of illegal waste sites.
“We urge anyone with information about waste crime to contact our hotline 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/pre-form.”
Marc Jones, Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said; “Keeping our countryside and villages clean and free from illegal dumped waste is a critical part of ensuring our communities and residents feel safe and that is why I am keen to support work in this area.
“In addition those individuals and groups involved in illegal waste disposal are often involved in a wide range of other criminal activity, and it is important that we seek out and punish those involved.
“The work done by partners in South Kesteven is an example of how, working together, we can make a difference.”
Operation Clean Sweep has previously been carried out in 3 other Lincolnshire district council areas as part of the Let’s SCRAP Fly-Tipping campaign. To avoid fines, the Environment Agency is advising members of the public that when disposing of their rubbish using waste carriers to follow the SCRAP code, meaning:
- Suspect ALL waste carriers
- Check with the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 that the provider taking your waste away is licensed
- Refuse unexpected offers to have waste taken away
- Ask what will happen to your waste
- Paperwork should be obtained – get a full receipt
