In October, in response to a rise in theft of cabling catalytic converters in the Southeast, Environment Agency officers working with the British Transport Police, Met Police, Dover District Council and BT Openreach carried out unannounced visits to waste sites in Dover.
The multi-agency targeted metal and vehicle recycling businesses in Kent and South London, randomly inspecting their waste carrying vehicles. These vehicles were stopped to check if they had valid waste carrier licences and were complying with the correct duty of care procedures for transporting waste.
The inspections revealed numerous compliance issues with permits and exemptions. Further investigations will follow, and the EA will consider the action to take to improve compliance or if enforcement action is appropriate.
It is important to appreciate similar joint investigations will continue and your business may be on the receiving end of an unannounced visit from the EA.
It is important to consider if you are in compliance with the duty of care procedures because if you are convicted of the above type of offences you can face a significant fine or even a prison sentence.