Waste crime is on the rise as UK companies are failing to comply with their ‘duty of care’ obligations on waste.
Stop Waste Crime – Report It!
The illegal disposal of waste is a massive burden on the UK economy. It diverts as much as £1bn per annum away from legitimate business and the Treasury, as well as being a risk to health and the environment. Recent research indicates that over half of UK companies do not comply with the legal duty of care to ensure the waste they produce is dealt with responsibly. Of these, SMEs with fewer than 250 staff make up 94 percent.
Landlords can be Responsible for Tenants’ Waste
Waste crime’s impact on businesses is highlighted by recent cases of landlords being held responsible for waste that was illegally by tenants on their premises. After tenant leaves the premises, the landlord then has to pick up the bill for the clean-up operation. The Chancellor has awarded the Environment Agency an extra £20m to tackle waste crime for the next five years. A Waste Duty of Care Code of Practice has been published by the Environment Agency to raise awareness and to help companies comply with these legal obligations.
The Waste Duty of Care
Business has a role to play in preventing the illegal deposit of waste through compliance with the ‘duty of care’. An organisation that fails to do so is at risk of prosecution. The duty of care starts from the moment the waste is produced, and it continues until it is finally disposed of or recovered. By classifying waste and storing it correctly, and transferred it to licensed operators for transportation and disposal, the risks of waste crime are considerably reduced.
Key elements include:
- Classification (hazardous / non-hazardous).
- Secure storage.
- Waste transfer notes completed and retained.
- Use a registered carrier.
- Checks and audits.
Martlands Skip Hire Burscough
As a business owner, you are responsible for how the carrier you choose for waste management handles your waste. Don’t take a risk with an unlicensed waste carrier, or you could face a fine if your waste ends up being fly-tipped. Martlands Waste Management is a fully licensed waste carrier specialising in Burscough skip hire and Burscough waste removal services. Don’t take chances with waste crime: call us on one of our local numbers below:-
Ormskirk Skip Hire 01704 779345
Southport Skip Hire 01704 779345
Skelmersdale Skip Hire 01695 769123
Bamber Bridge Skip Hire 01772 364 399
Chorley Skip Hire 01257 752399
Leyland Skip Hire 01772 364399
