Release date: 8 June 2023
Three joint operations have taken place in Chichester, Horsham and Arun Districts which involved stopping vehicles that could be potentially carrying waste. Officers interviewed drivers and examined the vehicles' contents to deter and disrupt ongoing fly-tipping, help identify waste-carrying vehicles, and ensure compliance.
The joint operations resulted in:
• 99 stopped vehicles
• 11 businesses directed to register for a waste carriers license
• Eight vehicles served with prohibitions for vehicle defects
• Five drivers issued with fines
• Two vehicles seized
The success of the trial means all the partners have committed to extending the operation on a rolling programme throughout West Sussex.
Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: "Clearing fly-tipped waste not only costs money but also has a negative impact on our natural environment and communities. Our Council Plan is underlined by a cross cutting theme of addressing climate change, and responsible waste disposal and increasing recycling are important elements of this. Fly-tipping is both a criminal and anti-social offence and everyone has a legal ‘duty of care’ to ensure their household or business waste is disposed of correctly. We are committed to tackling this issue and hope these recent joint operations will go some way to deter and discourage future fly-tipping.”
Jon Rhodes, Environment Agency’s Area Environmental Crime Team Leader, said: “We support licensed waste carriers and permitted waste activity by encouraging compliance and providing advice to lawful waste operators. However, our dedicated Enforcement Team will robustly pursue individuals and organisations engaged in illegal waste activity. The benefits of working collaboratively in West Sussex to tackle waste crime have been great, helping to better target illegal waste operators, to identify offenders, secure evidence and take action to prosecute those responsible. Waste crime is a blight on communities and the environment, so we urge the public to report it to us anonymously via our 24 hour freephone emergency hotline on 0800807060 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Businesses that carry waste can apply for a waste carrier license online.
Residents should remain vigilant and continue to follow the SCRAP code:
• Suspect waste carriers
• Check they are licensed
• Refuse unexpected offers to dispose of waste
• Ask how the carrier will dispose of the waste
• Obtain Paperwork
More information on duty of care and correct disposal of household waste can be found on the County Council website.
