Government to consult on waste crime

The fight against waste crime has taken a significant step forward with the announcement of a comprehensive review aimed at tightening the government’s approach.

The launch of ‘A call for evidence’ will enable a wide discussion on ways to crack down further on organised crime groups who profit from waste crime.

Led by DEFRA non-executive director Lizzie Noel, the review will consider:

• The types of crimes being committed and the groups involved
• The environmental, community and economic impacts of waste crime
• How the Environment Agency, other organisations and the law enforcement system can work together
• Recommendations for a strategic approach.

Lizzie Noel commented: “The health of our communities, environment, and economy is being harmed by organised groups committing serious waste crimes.

“This review is an opportunity to properly understand the extent of this criminal activity, and I look forward to working with a range of partners to ensure our response is robust and effective.”

The announcement builds on new measures introduced by the government to tackle waste crime. These include powers for the Environment Agency to lock the gates to problem waste sites to prevent waste illegally building up, and to force operators to clear all the waste at such sites.

In addition, extra powers have been given to councils to make it easier for them to stop, search and seize vehicles suspected of being used for fly-tipping, and to issue on-the-spot fines to fly-tippers.

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