Tougher Government action is needed against the type of illegal dumping of waste to be highlighted in the BBC Programme Dumping on Britain (BBC 1, 4 May, 19.00) commented the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management today.

Fly-tipping has been an on-going problem for local authorities, but CIWM warns that things could get worse. New controls to take effect in July this year will increase the types and quantities of waste classed as ‘hazardous’. This happens as the number of sites where these wastes can be disposed of is dropping quickly and the cost of responsible waste management is rising.

CIWM chief executive Steve Lee comments: ‘We want three things. First, we must have a properly funded, strong regulator to enforce the legislation so that we can cut cheats and criminals out of the system. It is encouraging that local authorities have tougher powers under the new Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act, but they and the Environment Agency need proper resources to do the job.

‘Secondly, once cases go to court it is essential that penalties are sufficiently severe to be a proper deterrent and to outweigh the high profits that criminals are making.

‘Thirdly, we need tighter control over businesses who carry waste. Currently it is relatively easy to become a registered waste carrier. The Government should use its powers under the new Act to tighten up controls. Carriers could be graded according to the type and quantity of waste they transport, with a scale of requirements for these businesses to meet. For high volume or hazardous waste this could include an assessment of their technical competence regarding waste management.

 ‘As an additional safeguard, businesses also need to know their registration can and will be revoked if they are prosecuted or fail to maintain technical competence.’

CIWM is also suggesting a three-point action plan that will help producers and landowners to avoid problems arising from illegal waste:

• waste producers must meet their statutory Duty of Care by ensuring that a responsible organisation or person is transporting their waste and that they know where it is going;
• waste can be a valuable asset in improving soil and re-contouring the landscape, but landowners need to know what it is and how much they are getting;
• if landowners do not want illegal dumping on their property, they need to secure their land properly.

Steve Lee comments: ‘Essentially everyone needs to be better informed about waste to avoid the pitfalls. Fly-tipping adversely affects the environment for us all, and we all need to work together to find the solution.’