Waste collection apps; Are the traders bonified?
Posted on 6th June 2023 at 09:32
The Environment Agency issued a warning today (5 June) about the dangers of hiring a rogue trader when scheduling rubbish collections using apps.
Some applications that charge users to promote rubbish that must be collected and transported for disposal are "operating without the proper processes in place," the regulator claimed in a statement.
This includes actions like permitting other unregistered operators to utilise their platform, failing to do enough to uphold their duty of care, or not registering themselves as an upper-tier broker.
Because of this, people and companies who employ their services aren't aware that they might not be working with legal companies.
This is a problem because giving waste to unauthorised personnel can lead to health and safety issues for both the customer and the carrier. Some waste may be considered hazardous and could pose serious health concerns for the public if not disposed of correctly, the Agency warned.
Fly Tipping
TextThe EA's strategy lead for waste regulation, Steve Molyneux, stated: "Finding someone to take away your waste via an app may be convenient, but choosing the wrong person could result in fly-tipping, dumping, and the illegal export of waste abroad."
Waste disposal is regulated by the EA and local governments to protect the environment and the public. According to the Agency, "if it is determined that you have disposed of waste incorrectly, you may be subject to a £400 fine or to more serious consequences, such as prosecution."
It emphasised that it is the obligation of the user to verify that the carrier has the necessary licenses before utilising apps or websites. What to watch out for includes:
• Does the website list only publicly registered upper-tier waste carriers?
• Does the platform or the person collecting your waste confirm where it is going before collecting it?
• Will you get proof of payment?
• Do the payment and carrier information match?
Reforms
TextThe government has unveiled proposals to regulate the refuse industry, including the introduction of expanded background checks on businesses that move or trade rubbish and will make it simpler for authorities to take enforcement action against offenders. To take a more aggressive approach to prevent unlicensed carriers from advertising there, the EA has also announced that it is collaborating with applications and websites that offer rubbish collection.
The cost of waste crime in England, which is approximately £1 billion annually, is partly borne by rogue enterprises that illegally collect and dump rubbish. Only 25% of waste-related offenses are reported.
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