Crime-fighting organisation Crimestoppers has launched a campaign with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) asking industry and the public to “stay alert” over illegal dumping of waste in warehouses or on farms.
And, the campaign encourages waste industry operators to “play their part by speaking up anonymously about other operators who are putting profits ahead of the public’s health”.
The campaign has been launched on social media this week
The campaign was launched last month, with a further push this week on social media asking the public to help report illegal dumping, which SEPA says can cost in excess of £1 million per incident. This includes the costs of clean-up, disposal, building repairs or demolition and public services.
Cheaply
SEPA noted that waste criminals often offer to remove waste cheaply, posing as legitimate operators, before dumping the waste illegally. “This is often in warehouses, farms and other remote empty locations. Typically, the waste dumped is waste that would otherwise be difficult to process or recycle and would possibly go to landfill.”
Commenting on the campaign, Terry A’Hearn, chief executive of SEPA, explained that illegal dumping can be a “lucrative” business from criminal organisations and is often in derelict buildings seemingly out of sight and mind of the public.
Mr A’Hearn said: “The reality is that illegal stockpiling is on the rise and often on an industrial scale. It’s imperative that landowners carry out proper checks on prospective tenants and stay vigilant for suspected criminal activity, as ultimately the burden and cost of clearing waste falls on the owner.”
Crimestoppers
Angela Parker, national manager for Crimestoppers in Scotland, declared that illegal dumping can “potentially harm us all” and called for everyone to “stay alert” to the crime.
“We are asking the public and waste industry operators to be alert and speak up anonymously if they suspect or know someone involved in dumping waste illegally. We urge anyone who has information about the perpetrators of this crime to contact us 100% anonymously,” Ms Parker said.
Anyone with information on illegal dumping can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through the non-traceable anonymous online form on the Crimestoppers website.
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Source: letsrecycle.com Waste Managment
