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A joint operation targeting fly-tippers has led to 15 potential prosecutions.
Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) joined forces with Essex Police and the Corporation of London (COL) on a joint waste carriers operation to combat fly-tipping within the district.
Working to combat fly-tipping
The joint operation took place on Tuesday 14 November from 9.30am to 4pm across 3 locations:
- M11 Junction 7, Hastingwood roundabout
- Chigwell Lane, Loughton
- Wake Valley car park, A104 Epping New Road
Officers from EFDC Community Policing team, Environmental Enforcement team and COL Forest Keepers and Constables checked that vehicles, who were commercially carrying waste complied, with the legal requirement to hold a waste carriers’ licence.
Potential prosecution
Over 100 vehicles were stopped and checked for traffic and waste offences. 15 vehicles were found to be carrying waste without providing evidence of an licence. EFDC have launched a formal investigation on the 15 persons, failure to provide details of the licence may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecution.
Waste carriers’ licence
A waste carriers’ licence is a legal requirement for businesses that transport waste as part of their commercial activities. If a business is found to be carrying waste without the correct carrier’s licence, they could be liable to a Fixed Penalty Notice of £300 or a fine up to £5000 if prosecuted.
There are 2 tiers to a waste carriers’ licence, depending on the type of waste being transported.
- A free of charge licence for those carrying commercial waste which they produce themselves such as packaging and grass cuttings.
- A licence that costs £154 for the first 3 years for those carrying construction waste including sinks, baths, brick and house clearances.
Waste Carriers Licences are issued by the Environment Agency. For more information visit:
Clean and safe environment
Regulatory Services Portfolio Holder, Cllr Ken Williamson said:
We are dedicated to tackling the issue of fly-tipping in our district. This joint operation shows the dedication EFDC, Essex Police and COL have to maintaining a clean and safe environment for our residents.
Some people think fly-tipping is a victimless crime, it is not. If the fly-tip is on public land, Council Tax payers have to foot the bill or if it is on private land, the land owner is left to pay for its removal.
It is up to residents to check they are using a licenced waste carrier, or it could result in the fly-tipped waste being traced back to them and a fine issued. Residents can use our special collection service to ensure the safe disposal of bulky items.
To report any instances of fly-tipping visit:
To book a special collection visit:
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