Redbridge Council runs operation with Police in crack down on rogue waste removal businesses

Redbridge Council joined forces with the Metropolitan Police recently to run an operation targeting vehicles transporting waste through the borough in a bid to weed out potential fly-tippers.

The joint move was triggered after several fly-tips in Redbridge were found to be dumped by illegally operating waste removal services. Instead of legally and responsibly disposing of the waste they had been hired to remove, the rogue operators ended up dumping it on the borough’s streets instead.

During the operation, held near Gants Hill, Redbridge Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers made checks on commercial vehicles commonly used for transporting waste.

Drivers found to be transporting waste were asked to produce a valid waste carriers licence and associated documentation to establish if they were operating legally.

By law, all businesses transporting and disposing of waste in England have to be registered with the Environment Agency and have a valid Waste Carriers Licence – a legal requirement designed to prevent fly-tipping. Illegal waste carriers often charge local people to take their waste away, only to then fly-tip the waste on green and open spaces.

Following the three-hour operation, fines totalling more than £1000 were issued on the day after several drivers failed to produce a valid waste carriers licence.

As part of this operation, the police also checked stopped vehicles were roadworthy and drivers had all the necessary documentation, as well as being on the lookout for vehicles linked to other crimes like burglaries, and stolen motor vehicles.

Redbridge Council’s Neighbourhood Enforcement Manager, Sarah Louise Kaye, said: “We want to send a message, loud and clear, that illegally operating waste removal services are not welcome or tolerated in Redbridge. We won’t hesitate to use the full weight of the law against those engaging in irresponsible and illegal waste disposal practises in Redbridge.”

Local householders are also being reminded not to fall foul of the law by taking steps to ensure anyone hired to remove waste from their property, including building waste, is authorised to do so with the correct Waste Carriers Licence.

Failure to do so could lead to a £600 fine if your waste is discovered fly-tipped and you cannot provide evidence of who you gave it to for removal or neglected to check if they had a valid Waste Carriers Licence.

If you are hiring a private contractor to remove household, garden, or construction waste from your property remember to:

• Check the individual or company being hired is registered with the Environment Agency and has a valid ‘Upper Tier’ Waste Carriers Licence. This can be done on: https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers

You can check using either their registration number, business name, or postcode, or call the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506.

• Do research to find out if they are a genuine and reputable company or individual
• Check where they are proposing to take your waste
• Record the registration number of any vehicle removing waste from your home
• Pay by cheque, card or bank transfer as payments can be traced if the waste is fly tipped. If they insist on cash refuse their service
• Obtain a waste transfer note and a receipt for their service and keep it as proof.

The council offers a Bulky Waste Collection Service entitling residents to a free collection every 12 months (maximum of 3 items). For more details, including costs for additional collections go to: www.redbridge.gov.uk/bins-waste-and-recycling/book-a-bulky-waste-or-large-item-collection/

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