Waste enforcement swoop
Dudley Council’s waste enforcement team and West Midlands Police clamped down on unlicensed waste carriers with a joint operation this week.
The swoop targeted vehicles and vans believed to be carrying waste. Police stopped the vehicles and any who were found to be carrying waste were interviewed by the waste enforcement team to check whether they were registered and licensed to collect and dispose of waste.
Two were found to be unlicensed and are now subject to legal proceedings
People should only use reputable, licensed waste carriers. Many disreputable firms advertise on social media and take advantage of their customers’ lack of diligence. It is however the responsibility of the consumer to ensure that the carrier they are using is legitimate otherwise they too could be fined for illegal disposal of their waste.
Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member elect for environmental, highways and street services said:
"Most waste carriers are legitimate and are licensed with the authority. However some people see this a way to make money illegally.
“Make no doubt about it, we will take action against the carrier wherever we find such activity and if the waste is dumped illegally we have powers to prosecute the resident who commissioned them.
“This is why it is absolutely essential to check that the company you are using is legitimate and licensed.”
People can check if a carrier is licensed on the Environment Agency website https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers
Find out more https://www.dudley.gov.uk/residents/bins-and-recycling/waste-enforcement/