New Environment Agency powers: Zero tolerance on illegal waste sites

The Waste Enforcement (England and Wales) Regulations 2018 (The Regulations) granted new powers to the Environment Agency (EA) when they came into force on 29 March 2018.

The Regulations allow the EA to restrict access to illegal waste sites by physical means, including locking up the site.

The EA will also have the power to require the occupier to remove waste from a site, not just illegal waste, in an effort to control illegal waste activity.

In addition, the EA announced on 29 March 2018 that its waste enforcement officers will soon be equipped with body worn video cameras when they visit waste sites across the country. This scheme was recently trialled in the North East of England and as a result, the EA has used footage obtained from a body worn video camera to secure a conviction in the Magistrates’ Court.

If you should have any questions about your legal obligations in relation to Environmental regulations and need a specialist environmental solicitor, call James Lowe, our Regulatory and Licensing Partner on 07833 240 400 for advice and assistance.