A tipper truck linked by the Environment Agency to illegal waste activity across Kent has been seized and crushed by the regulator, it said yesterday (19 May).
The Agency believes the eight-wheeled truck belongs to an ‘organised group’ operating in southeast England.
The truck was crushed after being seized during an ongoing waste crime investigation by the Environment Agency (picture: Environment Agency)
It was seen at several sites across Kent and the Agency says it is linked to illegal dumping of waste at commercial properties.
No one came forward to claim the truck after its seizure was advertised by the regulator.
The vehicle was crushed by a licensed scrap yard under Environment Agency supervision, the regulator says.
Alan Cansdale, environment manager at the Environment Agency, said: “In cases like this, where the actions of individuals threaten to undermine legitimate businesses, we have no hesitation in using all powers open to us, including crushing their vehicles.
“We continually use reports from the public to build intelligence and target our work at those involved in organised environmental crime and where their activities pose the greatest risk to the environment.”
Mr Cansdale urged “everyone, whether a resident or a business” to take responsibility for their own waste. He said that if someone’s waste was found at an illegal site, they could face fines of up to £5,000.
Destroying seized vehicles
Under the powers granted by ‘The Control of Waste (Dealing with Seized Property) Regulations 2015’ the Environment Agency can destroy seized vehicles.
Mr Cansdale added: “The power to seize vehicles is an important weapon in our armoury for disrupting this type of criminal activity. Our new waste powers mean that tougher action can be taken to reduce illegal waste activity – making a real difference to local communities.”
Obstruction
Meanwhile, a man from the North East has been fined for obstructing Environment Agency officers during an investigation into the illegal dumping of waste, the regulator also said yesterday.
The Environment Agency says waste was deposited on land in Gateshead (picture: Environment Agency)
Colin Scott, 29, of Acomb Court in Gateshead, appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on 12 May. The regulator says he pleaded guilty to depositing waste without a permit and obstructing Environment Agency officers attempting to carry out a site inspection.
Mr Scott was fined £368 for the offences and ordered to pay £437 costs.
Prosecuting for the Agency, solicitor Chris Bunting told the court that on 23 October 2020 two officers came across Mr Scott tipping waste wood on land at Leam Lane in Gateshead. He confronted the officers and swore at them, forcing them to leave.
The court found the illegal deposit to have been reckless, as Mr Scott mistakenly thought he was allowed to give the wood waste to the landowner.
John Crowl, enforcement team leader for the Environment Agency in the North East, said: “Our officers are doing an important job investigating illegal waste deposits to protect the environment and ensure legitimate businesses are not undermined. It’s not acceptable for them to be subjected to abuse. We take offences such as this extremely seriously and we will always take appropriate action.”
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Source: letsrecycle.com Waste Managment
