Environment Agency warning over baled waste scam

The Environment Agency has warned landowners to be aware that criminal gangs may seek to use land or buildings to store baled waste temporarily but then abandon the site, leaving the landowner facing the clean-up costs.

The EA has given the following advice for landlords and landowners:

• Carry out rigorous checks on prospective new tenants. Land and property owners have a responsibility to ensure anyone leasing their land/premises complies with regulations, so it is essential that you establish how and for what they are going to use the land/property.
• Check any empty land and property regularly and make sure it is secure.
• It is illegal to store waste on your land without the required permits. You may be committing an offence by allowing waste to be stored on your land or property without the relevant permissions and you could be liable to prosecution and the cost of removing the waste.
• Landlords should check before signing a contract that the contract complies with regulations. You can view whether a potential tenant holds the correct permit to carry out waste operations at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/access-the-public-register-for-environmental-information.
• The offer of payment to temporarily store waste is a scam, the waste will likely never be collected.
• Be vigilant and report any unusual behaviour. If you are suspicious of prospective tenants please contact us for more information and advice.
• If you are approached to store baled waste, even on a short term basis, refuse the material and call the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.