The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has warned of a waste crime trend appearing in Scotland involving abandoned trailers.
The body said seven abandoned trailers full of waste have been discovered in North Lanarkshire in the last eight months.
SEPA said that investigations to establish the source of the trailers are ongoing, which could lead to the prosecution of those responsible.
Similar instances of waste being placed into trailers and being abandoned at roadsides and industrial locations had been seen in England over recent months, the government body added.
SEPA said it has been working alongside partners to track the trend across the UK since last year, but the recent instances indicate this may now be a “new disposal route for waste criminals” in Scotland.
‘Inventive’
Jennifer Shearer, SEPA head of enforcement, explained: “This type of crime has a real impact on local communities, legitimate business and the public agencies who are working to tackle it.
“We know that criminals are inventive and will find new ways to break the law and make money – but Scotland’s enforcement agencies are inventive too and we are working together, alongside others across the UK, to make sure we find them and we stop them.
“We will continue to work closely with partners, often through joint initiatives such as the Joint Unit for Waste Crime, to ensure we can maximise our collaborative efforts to have the greatest impact, and ultimately stop this type of highly adaptive and lucrative waste crime.”
‘Huge sums’
The distinctive form of illegal waste disposal is costing the taxpayer “huge sums of money”, the exeutive director of North Lanarkshire council said.
Robert Steenson continued: “These poorly maintained trailers are also being driven on public roads before being dumped and therefore create a dangerous risk to other road users.
“Those responsible have absolutely no respect for people living in the areas these trailers are being dumped and I would urge anyone with any information to contact SEPA or Police Scotland
immediately.”
He added that this type of waste crime has become “widespread” across the country and is often linked to organised crime groups.
‘Targeted approach’
SEPA reported that since taking a “more targeted approach” to tackling environmental crime, it has confirmed that 25 illegal sites or activities have ceased since the turn of the year.
Waste criminals in Scotland risk a fine of up to £40,000 and/or imprisonment.
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Source: letsrecycle.com Waste Managment
