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https://environmentagency.blog.gov.uk/2015/07/29/waste-crime-help-spot-it-and-stop-it/

Waste crime: help spot it and stop it

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Regulated industry, Waste

Our work collecting and evaluating information about serious and organised environmental crime is vital for stopping waste crime.  We use reports about suspected illegal activity from industry and the public to build intelligence so we that can target our work and take action against waste criminals.

If you think you have seen illegal waste activity, help stop it by reporting it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

Here are some signs to spot that could indicate that a waste site is breaking the law.

Signs to spot an illegal waste site

signs to spot an illegal waste site

There are lots of signs to look out for, which could suggest suspicious activity. These include:

  • Out-of-hours activity at night, over weekends and during bank holidays
  • Smoke caused by constant burning
  • An increase in the number of lorries entering a site
  • Waste going into a site but not coming out with increasing quantities of waste stockpiled on site
  • Water pollution

The lack of a sign at the site entrance giving the operator’s name and permit number, flyers advertising cheap disposal rates and odour caused by rotting waste on the site could also be signs that they are operating outside of the law.

Fly-tipping should be reported to your local council.

How we use your reports

In the Intelligence Team we build a picture of what’s happening – locally, nationally and internationally – so that we can target Environment Agency resources to have the most impact. Investigating illegal waste sites, illegal waste exports and the deliberate mis-description of waste to evade taxation are our current big priorities.

Illegal waste sites cause environmental pollution and undercut legitimate business. Sites involved in the processing, storage or disposal of waste must have a permit issued and regulated by the Environment Agency. The permit makes sure that the sites only take certain types and quantities of waste and that they have infrastructure in place to prevent pollution. For example, the use of sealed drainage systems to prevent water pollution or fencing to prevent litter escaping from the site.

Illegal operators working outside this system often charge less for their services because they don’t put pollution prevention measures in place. This puts communities and the environment at risk and threatens legitimate businesses.

Checking whether a site is registered

Whether you are a business, local council or householder make sure you know where your waste goes, so it doesn't end up in the hands of illegal operators.  Everyone who disposes of waste has a ‘duty of care’ to ensure it is handled safely and correctly.

Landowners should make sure that tenants involved in waste have the necessary permissions in place and remain compliant with those permissions. The costs for landlords to clear up an illegal waste site can run to thousands of pounds.

You can check the public register to see if a site is permitted and whether the person who collects and disposes of your waste is a registered waste carrier.

Taking action against waste criminals

We take a wide range of action against the operators of illegal waste sites depending upon the nature of the illegal activities and the history of the offender. Where appropriate we will prosecute offenders.

Operating an illegal waste site can result in unlimited fines and up to 5 years imprisonment. Other penalties, which can be sanctioned by the courts, include disqualification as a director, seizure of vehicles, disqualification from driving and community service. We will also use the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover any monies generated as a result of the illegal activity. This can run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

If you suspect that a site is operating illegally, report it. We've partnered with independent charity Crimestoppers to provide an anonymous way of reporting waste crime. Call 0800 555 111 or report it online at www.crimestoppers-org.uk.

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110 comments

  1. Comment by Karen posted on

    Have onward homes got a waste carrier license

    Reply
    • Replies to Karen>

      Comment by kathrynbooth posted on

      Please check details on our Public Register at: https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers

      Or call one of our advisors on 03708 506506 with more details, please?

      Reply
      • Replies to kathrynbooth>

        Comment by Local resident posted on

        One of our neighbours is scrapping cars outside in our street spilling oil antifreeze whilst taking the cats and batteries of the cars before scrapping them, also uses the same vehicle for rubbish clearing leaving said vehicle full of rubbish for days, this leaves the road scattered with debris from both cars and rubbish in the road and sometimes maggots falling from the rubbish on the vehicle, also blocks neighbours driveways while doing this work and street sometimes has up to 4 scrap cars parked outside and on driveways, also blocks the pavements with parked vehicles so people have to walk in the road to get by, has been seen pouring petrol and other waste into local hedges and bushes as well as the pre-mentioned spillages onto the road all left Uncleaned

        Reply
        • Replies to Local resident>

          Comment by eileenroffe posted on

          Good morning this would fall under 2 organisations - please report to the Council for the debris on the streets and the parked cars on the pavements. The Council can also arrange for the street to be cleared https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council.The Environment Agency regulate the waste industry and if the neighbour is carrying out a business and he does not have a waste licence or any waste exemptions to de-pollute vehicles and in addition he/she is polluting the ground then we have a 24-hour national incident team where you can report this to and you can remain anonymous. Please call 0800 80 70 60. More information environmental incidents can be found at this link - https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency - Eileen

          Reply
    • Replies to Karen>

      Comment by Andrea posted on

      A farm on a old wharf road in longcot is burning lots of rubbish. You can only see it from the railway track and I was just on the train travelling from
      London to Somerset.

      Reply
      • Replies to Andrea>

        Comment by eileenroffe posted on

        Please call our national incident team on: 0800 807060 - they will ask for the location and once a few more questions are answered they will log it and forward to the local area team - Thank you in advance - Eileen

        Reply
    • Replies to Karen>

      Comment by Gary posted on

      I've just phoned crimestoppers about illegal builder's bonfires burning plastic next to homes & a school & was told you don't deal it those type of concerns & to contact environmental health.

      Reply
      • Replies to Gary>

        Comment by eileenroffe posted on

        Good morning, you can call our national incident team on: 0800 80 70 60 to report burning of building waste - Eileen

        Reply
      • Replies to Gary>

        Comment by Diane posted on

        I have experienced the same! Pollution and the children's health as well as having to keep my windows closed and not being able to go out into the garden is not reason enough to stop those 🙁

        Reply
        • Replies to Diane>

          Comment by Paul.salvidge posted on

          My neighbour has been burning waste. Plastic hose pipes and other plastic materials as well.as unidentified items. When I approached the neighbour. As asked him what he was burning as the fumes were horrendous. He said its the country side and night time so he can burn what he wants. I also pointed out that the fire is also.next to a building with a wooded framed roof. And he than began hurling abuse at me.
          I've tried the link but it doesn't work. Who.can I call because he keeps doing it.
          Many thanks

          Reply
          • Replies to Paul.salvidge>

            Comment by eileenroffe posted on

            If your neighbour is running a business then you can report this to our national incident team on: 0800 80 70 60. If it is a house/home owner burning then pleas report to Environmental health at your local Council- Eileen

    • Replies to Karen>

      Comment by Neil Kirsten posted on

      Pointless.
      Reported the burning of a load of waste settees from a furniture warehouse masquerading as a bonfire, Reported prior to the actual fire, could have been stopped.
      No action. No one is interesting in stopping this pollution right on people's door steps. No faith at all in any of these services any more.

      Reply
      • Replies to Neil Kirsten>

        Comment by Nick posted on

        I have the same problem. The neighbour collects household waste. Mostly plastic the smell is horrendous and toxic. Filmed it and reported it to Ashford council. It’s every night. NO ACTION taken 😡😡😡😡

        Reply
  2. Comment by Gary Foster posted on

    the crimestoppers link is wrong

    Reply
    • Replies to Gary Foster>

      Comment by AStone posted on

      Link still broken after 2 years it was reported

      Reply
  3. Comment by amanda delaney posted on

    There is a so called business at the side of stockfield mill Chadderton, high fence ,cameras,dog etc who constantly burn products to which all the debris goes onto the car park at Stockfield mill Chadderton causing damage to the cars.
    You cannot get into the compound or see anyone to speak to.
    Can this be reported in any way?

    Reply
    • Replies to amanda delaney>

      Comment by kathrynbooth posted on

      Hello Amanda

      Please report this to our incident team on:

      0800 80 70 60

      They will need to take further information from you so a report can be put together so we can investigate further.

      Regards Amy

      Reply
      • Replies to kathrynbooth>

        Comment by Jade Chadwick posted on

        We constantly have young groups of kids starting fires at the back of our property in yeadon. The fires smell so strong and there is always a strong smell of weed along with loud noise for the kids

        Reply
        • Replies to Jade Chadwick>

          Comment by eileenroffe posted on

          Hello - please report this to your Local Council - Environmental Health Department: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council - Eileen

          Reply
          • Replies to eileenroffe>

            Comment by My Jessica tansey posted on

            I have some back neighbors who are having a bonfire and I can't go to sleep

          • Replies to My Jessica tansey>

            Comment by eileenroffe posted on

            Hi Jessica, if your neighbour runs a business and is burning waste created or received by that business, please report direct to our 24/7 Incident Hotline on 0800 807060.

            If this is a domestic premises burning household or garden rubbish, pleas report to the Environmental Health Department at your local borough council.

            Yours, Joz

    • Replies to amanda delaney>

      Comment by Hayley posted on

      Hi a pizza shop keeps burning their plastic tubs I’m sure they are not allowed to do that it stinks they leave it burning all night and day without putting it out they start the fire at 11pm before they shut and leave it to burn I have a baby and I’m getting fed up of them setting a fire and leaving

      Reply
      • Replies to Hayley>

        Comment by eileenroffe posted on

        Please call our national incident team on: 0800 807060 - they will ask for the location and once a few more questions are answered they will log it - Thank you in advance - Eileen

        Reply
  4. Comment by sandra marshall posted on

    I have a lodge on a caravan site and they constantly burn old decking, plastic wicker chairs and garden rubbish. The smell and smoke ruins my pleasure as I can’t sit out and my lodge smells of smoke. I have complained and they haven’t burnt anything for a week but the pile of stuff on the fire pit is now huge I’m dreading it when they do light it. Nobody stays with the fire when it’s lit and the children’s football area is right at the side of it. What do I do?

    Reply
  5. Comment by S Bell posted on

    All sorted as kids set fire to it and fire brigade had to come out and they’ve reported it

    Reply
  6. Comment by FRED SMITH posted on

    CHAPEL KITCHENS AT YO268ET BURN CHIP BOARD THE SMOKE IS AWFUL

    Reply
    • Replies to FRED SMITH>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Please call our 24hr Incident Hotline to report trade waste being burned on 0800 807060. Thanks - Joz

      Reply
  7. Comment by Jason posted on

    We live in Wolverhampton, someone has to!
    Our neighbour has for the past twelve months been dumping rubbish and building materials on private land that my wife bought two years ago as revenge against me telling him that if he wanted to buy some of her land he would have to "take it up with her". The rubbish consists of: -
    Scrap metal, parts of a metal cooker, old timbers, tree branches, huge sectioned tree trunks, broken chipboard cupboards, old roofing felt, transparent plastic corrugated roofing sheets, scaffold planks, old paint tins, a large roll of concertina hose, a stack of concrete blocks, thousands of used roofing tiles , etc.
    My wife has written two very polite letters asking him to remove the rubbish, but he is responding by dumping more, is he committing an offence?

    Reply
  8. Comment by S Price posted on

    I've just witnessed a local cafe pourimg waste oil down the drain in the high street in front of their premises-who do I report this to?

    Reply
    • Replies to S Price>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Please report this to our 24hr Incident Hotline on 0800 807060. They will take full details and assign an Environment Officer to investigate.

      Reply
  9. Comment by Katie posted on

    Hello my neighbour is constantly burning mostly at night, we live in the countryside but what he is burning is plastics, rubber due to the smell and colour of the smoke, I can't have the windows open as our bedrooms fill with it. I can't discuss with him as he's not an easy man, what department of the council would you report this too?

    He also fills his recycle bins with rubbish and then only outs recycling on the top of them, again which department do I report too?

    Reply
    • Replies to Katie>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      This type of enquiry will fall under the remit of Environmental Health who are with the Local Council. I have placed the link below that will allow you to find contact details to forward your enquiry to them. The Environment Agency regulate the waste industry and deal with flooding from rivers among other industry regulated activities.
      https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council - Eileen

      Reply
    • Replies to Katie>

      Comment by Michael posted on

      Did you get anywhere with that? We suffer from the same problem. Neighbor burning plastics and tyres all night every night for last 4 months. Council not interested. Environmental Health not interested. Housing Association not interested. They all just take my name and address and do nothing besides sending a letter. Apparently, they can't prove what is being burned and how often... All estate keeps windows shut while the toxic engulfs.

      Reply
  10. Comment by Ann posted on

    My neighbour has a shop ( clothes alterations ) she brings her rubbish home and puts it out with house hold waste some times it’s about six bin bags is this ok

    Reply
    • Replies to Ann>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello Ann

      We regulate the commercial waste industry in terms of licencing/permits. For example if she was transporting commercial waste herself she would need a waste carriers licence from us. If your enquiry is in terms of health and safety you would need to environmental health who are a department at the local authority:

      https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

      Regards Amy

      Reply
  11. Comment by Dermot Lawless posted on

    Where do I report a retail unit in Edinburgh using residents bins for discarding their trade waste?

    Reply
  12. Comment by Lou posted on

    Hi

    We live to small units. One unit burns waste and it has we think caused a fire and damaged our property. There was no other way it could have started. Until Wednesday this unit hadn’t capped the chimney. Is this illegal? We often remove partially burned debris from our garden. The fire services attended and its caused damage to windows all garden furniture. Roof Fence and boiler as the flue melted and water sprayed into the boiler as it had melted I need advice.

    Reply
  13. Comment by Claire posted on

    Hi, how do I report a neighbour who is having daily large bonfires in there garden, they burn large amounts of stuff on a daily basis, including mattresses etc.. theres large amounts of black smoke and horrible smell, I'm pretty sure they are doing waste collection and burning it.
    Thanks

    Reply
  14. Comment by Carl Robert Talbot posted on

    Hi there i am plagued with scrap metal collectors comming round and just taking stuff from ppls drives i very much doubt they have s waste disposal liscence how do i report them plz

    Reply
    • Replies to Carl Robert Talbot>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello - please report this to our national incident team on: 0800 80 70 60 - Eileen

      Reply
    • Replies to Carl Robert Talbot>

      Comment by Peter posted on

      You cannot assume someone doesn't have the correct permit. I do not think you are in any position to make such statements without having any facts to prove your assumptions to be correct

      Reply
  15. Comment by Gary Wilson posted on

    A neighbour runs a wedding car business and regularly has fires throughout the day I asked himn what he was burning and said oil, Who do I report this to?

    Reply
    • Replies to Gary Wilson>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello - please report this to our national incident team on: 0800 80 70 60 - Eileen

      Reply
  16. Comment by Debbie posted on

    Our neighbour imports lots of cats from another country (last count in the neighbours house 40 plus at any one time). I have reported this with the council before and on this previous occasion I could see 2 piles of cat litter by the braissere waiting to be burned. After complaining to the council on this occasion the practice stopped for a while and instead large amounts of black bin liners appeared along our boundary fence one burst open to reveal cat litter. In the past month my neighbour has decided to resume the burning of what I believe to be cat litter leaving the brassiere bailing out smoke most of the day and on numerous occasions the burning has started very early in the morning 4-5am approx. I’ve been in contact with my council now and they have advised me to also contact your dept.

    Reply
    • Replies to Debbie>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Good morning, this is not reportable to the Environment Agency, please report to the Council again. The Animal and Plant Health Agency will be able to assist you: Animal and Plant Health Agency - Telephone: 0300 1000 313 Eleen

      Reply
  17. Comment by Reg posted on

    Air in Osborne ave stanwell is foul somebody in vicinity
    Burning toxic materials early eve and night contacted council not interested local area needs monitoring
    Who else would be interested ?

    Reply
  18. Comment by Shelley Bain posted on

    Who can we report a local recycling plant to that is burying plastic on its farm land and burning things day and night. Our local council won’t help because they use the plant.

    Reply
    • Replies to Shelley Bain>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello - please report this to our national incident team on: 0800 80 70 60 - they will be able to ask more questions to log this as an incident - Eileen

      Reply
  19. Comment by Elaine Hayward posted on

    Hi my neighbours have started a commercial waste service, they are sorting the waste in my street, It’s all over the place now. And loading the van at 6:30 on Sunday morning. Shouldn’t they have a commercial site for this type of job please? I believe their house is housing association too, I’m privately renting and probably paying 5 time’s as much to live here, where do we stand please?

    Reply
    • Replies to Elaine Hayward>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello - please report this to our national incident team on: 0800 80 70 60 - they will be able to ask more questions to log this as an incident - Eileen

      Reply
      • Replies to eileenroffe>

        Comment by Elaine Hayward posted on

        Ok thank you - I don’t want to cause any neighbour issues, can you let me know where I stand please, if it comes to that? Are they legally allowed to sort commercial waste in our street or not please?

        Reply
        • Replies to Elaine Hayward>

          Comment by eileenroffe posted on

          Morning -many sorting of waste needs either permitting or a waste exemption from the Environment Agency - you can remain anonymous when you report this to out national incident team - 0800 80 70 60 - Eileen

          Reply
  20. Comment by Lucinda posted on

    One of our neighbours has a removal company. He changed his yard a few years ago via planning application to this: 'yard for secure storage of equipment for use in forestry and landscaping.' does this count as commercial? The reason I ask is he burns huge fires everyday in an industrial size skip. It's vile for us neighbours. Who's best to report it to? Thanks

    Reply
    • Replies to Lucinda>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello - please report this to our national incident team on: 0800 80 70 60 - they will be able to ask more questions to log this as an incident as no commercial waste should be burnt - Eileen

      Reply
  21. Comment by Manda posted on

    Hi there, a dentist opposite us burns waste every month or so in a metal bin. The waste include plastic folders and paper. The smoke is smells quite toxic and comes into our house despite windows and doors being shut. Is this a council or environment agency thing? Thanks

    Reply
    • Replies to Manda>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello, Please report this to our Incident team on 0800 80 70 60. They will ask more questions, log it and send to the area team. Eileen

      Reply
  22. Comment by Paul breen posted on

    I have a plumbers yard next to us, keep burning polystyrene, plastic in an home made incinerator which directs the smoke into our houses.

    Reply
    • Replies to Paul breen>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello, Please report this to our Incident team on 0800 80 70 60. They will ask more questions, log it and send to the area team. Eileen

      Reply
  23. Comment by George Raven posted on

    Hello. My neighbour is an unlicensed waste carrier. He is storing and then burning everything imaginable in his residential property just 5 yards from other neighbouring properties. He is also storing fridge freezers. The fire service attended 3 weeks ago as one of the fires were out of control. He is also having others turn up in vans and dump their waste in his garden for a price.

    Reply
    • Replies to George Raven>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello, Please report this to our Incident team on 0800 80 70 60. They will ask more questions, log it and send to the area team. You can remain anonymous - Eileen

      Reply
  24. Comment by Leroy posted on

    Hello

    My neighbors keep put on a unattended fire in their back garden and they are burning rubber and plastic and metal and the fire is close to the property . And I have young children and a new born baby and the smoke smells is to much for us all.

    Reply
  25. Comment by Ben posted on

    Waste crime: help spot it and stop it https://environmentagency.blog.gov.uk/2015/07/29/waste-crime-help-spot-it-and-stop-it/
    To whom ever it may concern.
    Hi just wanted to let you know, I have just noticed the bin in my local park in Easton Bristol " Chelsea park" has been burnt out. Could you please let me know if and when it will be replaced as there is nowhere to dispose of the dog poo.?? /1

    Reply
  26. Comment by Donna Broadhead posted on

    My neighbour runs a gardening business. He brings rubbish from other peoples gardens (garden waste in large bags, broken gates and fencing, large pieces of metal and other types of assorted waste) and dumps it in a compound he has erected using 6ft Heres fencing panels adjacent to our garden. We have a constant problem with rats and growing waste dump is causing us distress. Can you help please.

    Reply
  27. Comment by mike thomson posted on

    Love to read it,Waiting For More new Update and I Already Read your Recent Post its Great Thanks. <a href="https://albertsallsorts.co.uk/">Rubbish removal wolverhampton</a>

    Reply
  28. Comment by Molly posted on

    Hello my neighbour is often burning some kind of waste next to his garage. He has 2 vans collecting all sorts of waste like chairs, metal poles, plastic etc.. Last summer we often had to keep windows closed due to smell of burning. We can't discuss with him as he's not an easy person. I am asthmatic so this has an impact on my health as well. Is there something legally we can do about it?

    Reply
    • Replies to Molly>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hi - if your neighbour is running a business and burning waste generated commercially, please report it direct to our 24/7 INcident Hotline on 0800 807060, so that an officer can be assigned to investigate. Thanks - Joz

      Reply
  29. Comment by Hayley posted on

    How do i go on about reporting a shop that keeps burning rubbish smells of plastic and always doing it at 10pm i have had enough of my house smelling of smoke my babys pram stinks and they wont replace it

    Reply
    • Replies to Hayley>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello, Please report this to our Incident team on 0800 80 70 60. They will ask more questions, log it and send to the area team. Eileen

      Reply
  30. Comment by S Smith posted on

    Midlands logging company at Buildings Farm in Hartshorne Derbyshire is constantly burning waste, including some sort of plastic.

    Reply
  31. Comment by S Smith posted on

    Midlands logging at Buildings Farm Hartshorne Derbyshire constantly burning waste including some sort of plastic.

    Reply
    • Replies to S Smith>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Good morning, please report all commercial waste burning directly to our 24/7 Incident Hotline on 0800 807060, so that an officer can be assigned to investigate. Thanks - Joz

      Reply
      • Replies to eileenroffe>

        Comment by S Smith posted on

        I did try but gave up after being on hold for over 30mimutes.

        Reply
  32. Comment by Ben posted on

    Hi,

    The people opposite seem to have some sort of landfill thing going on. We've seen flatbed vans truing up at all times of the day and they just go ahead and shovel it off and cover it up.

    They bury absolutely everything, plastic, household waste, food. I've heard some pretty significant explosions from whatever they are burning in there.

    They keep a horse in a horsebox in the garden, and I'm pretty sure they've been burning the feces mixed with hay. I saw them set it in the afternoon and it was still smouldering in the morning giving off some truly acrid smell!

    There is a house closer to them than we are, and I know for a fact that one of my pregnant friends lives with her husband about 100 yards away from where the fire is blowing smoke.

    Reply
    • Replies to Ben>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello, Please report this to our Incident team on 0800 80 70 60. They will ask more questions, log it and send to the area team. Eileen

      Reply
  33. Comment by Julie posted on

    A local company operating as a vehicle recovery service (they do have a waste carrier licence) is collecting scrap cars and waste metal and storing the waste and scrap vehicles in 6 vehicles which are located in a cul-de-sac. Is this something that the environment agency can deal with.

    Reply
    • Replies to Julie>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hi Julie, please report the details to our Incident Hotline on 0800 807060, so that they can assign an officer to investigate. Thanks

      Reply
  34. Comment by Jo posted on

    A traveller site near where I live have ‘regular bonfires’ on Sundays which smell like commercial waste. The smell & smoke is horrible . What can be done? Is this legal?

    Reply
  35. Comment by Jacqueline Ryley posted on

    Neighbour has been having a white van arrive most weeks and this has been happening for some time over the years where I suggest off load bags of builder rubble which I suggest the neighbour has been putting down on the land within his garden, also in that garden is a ditch, I had asked LA but did not get any response?

    Reply
    • Replies to Jacqueline Ryley>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Please call our national incident team on: 0800 807060 - they will ask for the location and ask a few questions to see if it is an incident. Thank you in advance - Eileen

      Reply
  36. Comment by Ella Wiseman posted on

    There is a large metal chimney at a builders yard opposite where I live with black smoke coming out of it around 9.30am week day mornings and 11:30pm weekend evenings. It smells like burning plastic and we worry about having our windows open. Who should I report this to?

    Reply
  37. Comment by Melanie Coote posted on

    My neighbour has put approximately 80 used tyres on his front garden to deliberately cause an eyesore. What can I do? It is a residential area.

    Reply
    • Replies to Melanie Coote>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      The Environment Agency deal with flooding from main rivers, we regulate the waste industry amongst other permitted activities but we have no dealings with domestic matters. Please contact Environmental Health who are with your local council. I have placed a link below to enable you to locate contact details:

      https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council Eileen

      Reply
  38. Comment by Shaun posted on

    I have a neighbour who runs a house clearance business and they pile up sofas and mattresses and beds plus large numbers of plastic items. Up to 10 mattresses and sofas in a week. They burn it all right on my boundary with toxic smoke filling our house and garden, it is black smoke. Often the fires get out of control and catch on fire stock piled items that are stacked ready for burning. They do not have a trade waste licence and are 15 feet from my garden boundary. Last week we had to leave the house for a while as the wind was blowing toxic smoke into our home. What are the potential penalties for this illegal activity please?

    Reply
    • Replies to Shaun>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Please call our national incident team on: 0800 807060 - they will ask for the location and once a few more questions are answered they will log it - Thank you in advance - Eileen

      Reply
  39. Comment by C. Jacob posted on

    It would appear from many of the comments that trying to stop the illegal burning of highly polluting toxic material is virtually impossible. The laws appear to be on the side of those who burn whatever they choose and trying to stop them is a waste of time. I have been told about farmers who simply pile up whatever they wish to dispose of and set fire to it knowing that no-one will stop them! Bonfires should be banned along with highly toxic fireworks . We don't have the luxury of time to sort out our climate issues
    and this sort of behaviour doesn't help our situation. New laws and more effective action are needed.

    Reply
  40. Comment by Close neighbour posted on

    The Smiths are at it again at the scrap yard in Great Harwood Lancashire. I know yourselves and the police mounted a major operation there and they stopped for a while. They are now burning waste through the night. It is now 1:30 am and I can’t sleep for the smell of smoke and had to close all my windows! Not sure if further checks need to be made again!

    Reply
    • Replies to Close neighbour>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Please call our national incident team on: 0800 807060, they are available 24/7/365 - they will ask for the location and once a few more questions are answered they will log it - Thank you in advance - Eileen

      Reply
  41. Comment by Brandon posted on

    Hi, I recently hired a motor home. I wasn't supplied a waste water hose or waste water carrier. Is there a legal requirement for Motor Home hire companies to supply a waste water hose or a waste water carrier?

    Reply
    • Replies to Brandon>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Good morning, we do not regulate the sale of motor vehicles, we regulate the waste industry/permitted sites and operators of waste. Please liaise with the seller. Eileen

      Reply
  42. Comment by Andrew Lagowski posted on

    Your link to Crimestoppers is not correct (http://www.%20www.crimestoppers-org.uk/)

    Reply
  43. Comment by Gypsy posted on

    I live in rennie grove and a neighbour is burning harsh chemicals which is going into my property and making my child cough as they play outside please can someone investigate this address rennie grove B32 2SE

    Reply
  44. Comment by Brenda Wilson posted on

    How do you report a building / landscape company for not having a waste licence. It does not show on any lists but they regularly park in our close loaded with waste on a pick up transit

    Reply
    • Replies to Brenda Wilson>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Good afternoon - our national incident team will log that report - please contact them on: 0800 80 70 60 - 2 hour service. Thank you in advance ^Eileen

      Reply
  45. Comment by Lee Chadwick posted on

    Hi is it illegal to paint a fence in used engine oil

    Reply
    • Replies to Lee Chadwick>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Used engine oil is classed as hazardous to the environment and is not recommended. Only approved paints or preservatives should be used ^Eileen

      Reply
  46. Comment by Dutch posted on

    A local land owner,allows many different trades and a comercial waste company (tipper lorries)to dump waste on his land,this has been happening over a few year period,
    All for cash,back handers,
    If i report this,is my identity guaranteed?

    Reply
    • Replies to Dutch>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Good morning, you have the option when you call our national incident team on: 0800 80 70 60 to remain anonymous. Thank you in advance for reporting. ^Eileen

      Reply
  47. Comment by Steve majors posted on

    One of my neighbours runs an outside catering business, hog roasts hot dogs etc. He brings all the waste food home which includes rotting burgers, pigs heads and bulk bags of bread rolls, he then puts this out for collection with his household waste. As we’re still black bag collections and not wheelie bins, this attracts rats, cats and excessive flies. Who do i report this to?

    Reply
    • Replies to Steve majors>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Good morning, please call our 24-hour national incident team (and you can remain anonymous) on 0800 80 70 60. The advisor will take a report and forward to the local waste team for their attention. In addition, please call your local Environmental Health team who are with their local Council. The link is here, where you will find the local council switchboard number. https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council Thank you in advance. ^Eileen

      Reply
  48. Comment by Stuart C posted on

    A private school (in a city) that has a permit as waste carrier, broker or dealer (low tier) has been disposing of large quantities of green waste in the field next to our house boundary for 18 months now. The pile is over 3m high, in an area of 20m by 20m. Is this permitted? As it doesn't seem sustainable over a longer term. Plus it's pretty smelly in the summer.

    Reply
  49. Comment by Dean Rheims posted on

    One of my neighbours who works as a Judge has been burning car tyres in his front garden for approximately 18 months as of Dec 2023. The street which his property is located is within 100 yards of our encampment. The smoke is truly toxic and is now starting to cause lung and throat inflammation for my own household and others who live on our caravan site. We have tried to reason with this man but he becomes quite vocal and displays aggression which is frightening and alarming to us! This situation is causing everyone much distress and concern. We struggle to communicate with 'the settles' and therefore any help in dealing with this situation would be most appreciated.

    Reply

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