We want to know what you think about our updated guidance for householders on meeting the duty of care for household waste. We’re also seeking views on new guidance for local authorities on issuing fixed penalty notices for household waste duty of care offences.

We previously consulted on introducing a Fixed Penalty Notice for breaches of the household waste duty of care. If a final decision is taken to introduce the Fixed Penalty Notice, this updated guidance will be provided for households and local authorities.

Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) is this week (3-5 July) attending the Local Government Association (LGA) Annual Conference and Exhibition in Birmingham to listen to the views of community representatives and explain its role in working in partnership with communities for a safer future.

RWM’s mission is to ensure radioactive waste is safely managed and packaged today ready for long-term disposal in a future geological disposal facility (GDF).

To deliver its mission RWM will work closely with Local Authorities and community representatives who are likely to play a significant role in the process to site and host a GDF.

The results of public consultations held earlier this year are now being used to help shape the policy which will outline the role communities will play in the siting process. In parallel, the government have also been developing the planning framework for what is set to be one of the largest Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects ever undertaken in the UK.

Ann McCall, Siting & Engagement Director for RWM, said

A lot of progress has been made since the last LGA conference so we are delighted to be here once again,
providing an opportunity for us to listen to the views of community representatives as we progress this vital
programme on behalf of society.

The Environment Agency publish permits that they issue under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).

This decision includes the permit, decision document and for:

• Operator name: Enlightened Lamp Recycling Limited
• Installation name: Mercury Recovery Redhill, Surrey
• Permit number: EPR/GP3339BE/V003

The Environment Agency (EA) has revealed that over a third of illegally dumped waste is from households.

The regulator is now urging homes to avoid illegal waste operators by taking extra care when it comes to disposing of rubbish.

A recent change in the law means that householders found to be knowingly involved in the illegal dumping of waste, could be liable for Landfill Tax or prosecuted alongside the actual illegal operators.

It’s been found that unlicensed waste operators target householders via social media or local advertising, often luring customers with cheaper rates to dispose of unwanted furniture, building rubble or garden waste.

An Environment Agency spokesperson, said:

We must all come together to win the fight against waste criminals. We’re doing our part with enforcement action and prosecution, whenever necessary. But we cannot do this alone. Households also have a responsibility to ensure their waste is collected by a responsible operator who will not pollute the environment with waste or cost thousands to clear up and make safe.

It’s estimated to cost the UK economy £600M every year, the equivalent of a new and fully staffed NHS hospital. More than 850 new illegal waste sites were discovered by the EA in 2016-17. While an average of two illegal waste sites are shut down every day, they continue to create severe problems for local communities and business, particularly in rural areas, as well as posing a risk to key national infrastructure.

To avoid contributing to waste crime, householders are advised to take the following steps:

• Check the waste management operator being used is a registered waste carrier. Registration documents should available on request and should be inspected before services are rendered. You can check environmental permits online or call 03708 506506.

• Get a written receipt/transfer note complete with contact details, a description of waste removed and details of where the waste is being taken to.

• Note down the vehicle type, colour and registration number of the vehicle that’s taking your waste away.

Report suspected waste crime to the EA incident hotline 0800 807060 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Environment Agency publish permits that they issue under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).

This decision includes the permit and decision for:

• Operator name: Bromham Biogas Limited
• Installation name: Bromham House Farm
• Permit number: EPR/XP3631JX/A001