Minister Creagh Cracks Down on Waste Criminals

MAry Creagh MP, Minister for Waste

Minister for Waste, Mary Creagh MP, is leading Labour reforms for waste crime with tougher sentences and stronger background checks, making it harder for criminals to exploit the system. She said:

“Waste crime is serious organised crime. Criminals have been abusing the system for far too long, blighting our countryside and cities alike.

“Through our Waste Crime Action Plan, we’re introducing rigorous background checks for waste traders, shutting down corrupt operators and kicking them out of the industry for good.

“This is just one measure we’re introducing to stamp out waste crime, with law breakers now facing up to five years behind bars thanks to tougher penalties.”

The previous system for waste handlers was outdated, allowing rogue operators to dump waste illegally and leave the clean up bill for others. From next year, waste handlers will have to prove they are qualified through a tough new permit-based registration system. Checks on identity, criminal record, and technical proficiency of carriers will ensure legitimate and competent operators are supported and criminals are stopped. Waste carriers will have to display their permit number, on their vans and paperwork, making it easier to hold unlicenced operators to account. 

Those who break the law and abuse the system will face up to five years in prison. In addition, the Environment Agency will have stronger powers to revoke permits and issue enforcement notices.    

Alongside the new Digital Waste Tracking service, which follows every piece of permitted waste across the country in real time, law enforcement will have more powerful tools to tackle waste crime. The Government’s Waste Crime Action Plan will reduce waste crime, punish the criminals responsible, and accelerate the clean-up effort nationwide.