Firms warned over illegal waste disposal as EA clamps down
The Environment Agency has warned against the illegal export of plastic film and wrap waste by the construction and demolition industry.
Out of almost 1,900 containers inspected last year, the agency had to stop a quarter from being exported for recycling due to contamination. Materials such as brick, sand, wood and mud from construction sites were found mixed in with plastic film and wrap.
The interception at ports along with regulation at sites had led to the discovery of 23,000 tonnes of waste that could not be legally exported.
Environment Agency head of waste regulation Malcolm Lythgo said businesses needed to have a better handle on how and where their waste was being processed: “I would strongly urge businesses to observe their legal responsibility to ensure waste is processed appropriately, so we can protect human health and the environment now and for future generations. It’s not enough just to give your waste to someone else – even a registered carrier,” he said.