The Environment Agency has this month called for more powers to tackle "waste cheats" after the sector racked up more large fines than any other regulated industry in 2006. The Spotlight Report on business' environmental performance, which was launched on 4 September 2007, looked at 11 industrial sectors from chemicals to metals and minerals. The statistics revealed that 42 fines of £5,000 or more were given to waste management operators - a total of £778,077. Metal recycler Van Dalen UK's received fine of £100,000 for illegal waste activity being the highest.
Barbara Young, chief executive of the Environment Agency welcomed the increase in fines handed out by courts in 2006 but added, "Penalties for environmental crime still aren't harsh enough. Some fines can be as low as a thousandth of a per cent of a company's worth and despite the higher penalties, the average fine was still only £11,800." She also called for additional powers that would allow the Agency to impose more flexible penalties to help support compliant businesses by tackling competitors who undercut them through avoiding their obligations.
The statistics also revealed that the waste industry had 769 serious regulatory breaches of permit conditions, which was 27% lower than in 2005. In addition, there were 124 incidents of serious pollution, which is the lowest number on record for the waste industry. Ms Young commented, "Waste cheats make money from their crimes, pollute our environment and so those businesses and individuals who think they can cut corners best watch out - we won't tolerate it."
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