Waste criminals have been targeted across the north-east this week in an attempt to crack down on the illegal activity.
A total of 59 vehicles were stopped and checked, triggering multiple investigations and identifying 17 unauthorised waste carriers.
The searches come after Sepa identified 22 unlicensed waste sites in Grampian and Speyside, nine of which they suspect could pose a significant environmental risk.
Their specialist environment officers teamed up with the police and local authorities in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray for Operation Protector, issuing warnings to drivers regarding fuel transportation, construction and waste keeping offences.
Environmental impact
Organised waste crime stifles legitimate businesses’ opportunities to innovate and improve our environment.
Inspector Claire Smith said: “Organised criminals are profiting from the illegal disposal of waste seeing it as an easy way of making money.
“Their illegal activities not only have a significant environmental impact, but the profits made are then being used to finance other illegal activities.”
Unit manager at Sepa’s serious environmental crime team, Kath McDowall, explained the public’s role in ensuring waste is properly disposed of.
“Waste crime is an issue across all of Scotland and there are illegal waste sites of quite significant scale in the north-east.
“Waste crime is best tackled on a preventative level. By taking part in Operation Protector, Sepa aims to highlight the extensive work we do with partner agencies and make everyone is aware of duties they have in making sure waste gets to the right place and doesn’t end up fly tipped.”
What to do if you suspect waste crime
Waste crime can be difficult to identify due to a lack of witnesses.
You can help prevent waste crime by avoiding waste service providers not recognised by Sepa. They should be able to provide you with evidence of this.
Suspicious activity to look out for includes the following:
- Trailers left by the roadside or in isolated areas
- Increased activity at previously unused sites
- Movements of vehicles late at night or very early in the morning
- Unusual odours or increased fly activity
Landowners are also urged to be aware of any illegal waste disposal that could be happening on their land.
If you do suspect waste crime, you can report it to Sepa via their website or on their pollution hotline on 0800 807060.
