The Environment Agency (EA), Boston Borough Council, Lincolnshire County Council and the Lincolnshire Police last week (26 March) undertook a multi-agency operation in Boston, Lincolnshire to tackle unlawful scrap metal operations.
Vehicle dismantling and scrap metal businesses need permits to operate, such as environmental permits and a collections licence. They also cannot pay for scrap with cash, but instead must use cheques or bank transfers to make the transaction traceable (in a bid to establish accountability and reduce metal theft).
The enforcement bodies had identified several illegally-operating waste vehicle dismantlers and unlicensed scrap metal dealers in Boston, who were then given advice and guidance on how to operate legitimately. The legal, human and environmental impact of conducting scrap metal practices unlawfully was also addressed.
Environment Agency Enforcement Officer Peter Stark said: “We want the industry to operate on equal terms and we receive a tremendous amount of support from legitimate collectors and yards. We will continue to engage with illegal operators, provide advice to those who want to comply, and stop those who flout the regulations.
“We work to ensure no harm comes to people and the environment from these sites treating waste vehicles and scrap metal.”
Tackling waste crime
EA advice on scrap metal licencing comes just one day (25 March) after the owner of a waste tyre business was handed a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty at Plymouth Crown Court to five offences of running a waste operation without the necessary permits.
Two days previous to this (23 March), the Director of an electronic goods shipping company was also handed a suspended prison sentence for charges relating to the attempted illegal export of electronic goods.
Find out more about the increasing efforts to crack down on waste crime or read government guidance on the scrap metal dealer licence.
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