Isra-Mart srl: Environment Agency taskforce orders businesses to bin waste crime

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Isra-Mart news:
The Environment Agency has ploughed £5m into a new taskforce as it looks to crackdown on illegal waste sites in England and Wales, warning businesses to be on the lookout for offenders.

Around 600 illegal waste sites are thought to be in operation in the UK, potentially contaminating land and rivers with oil and toxic chemicals.

The agency closed or brought into regulation 1,195 illegal waste sites, undertook 400 waste-related prosecutions during 2010/11, and has recouped almost £1m from offenders through court orders in the last six months.

However, the problem has not been eradicated and the task force, which will include former police detectives, will be charged with gathering intelligence and acting quickly to close the remaining sites.

The agency also warned businesses to be wary of anyone offering cheap waste disposal services and urged companies to check if waste management firms have a valid licence.

It added that businesses must complete waste transfer notes - and keep them for two years - and use the NetRegs Waste Directory to find licensed recycling and waste disposal sites.

"Waste crime is a serious offence that poses a risk to human health and can damage the environment," said Dr Paul Leinster, chief executive of the Environment Agency. "If you're involved in illegal waste activities, you should be looking over your shoulder and expecting a visit from our enforcement officers.

"We'll press for the strongest possible penalties - including prison - for those convicted of these crimes against communities."