Defra to tighten waste carrier checks, after CLA cow approved for license
Reforms to the system following scandal, in a bid to tackle waste crime and fly-tipping
Defra is to tighten background checks as part of its waste carrier license system, after a CLA cow was approved in seconds for a license.
To test the system, the CLA recently applied for an upper tier waste carrier and dealer license under the name Beau Vine, only to be approved in under three seconds, no checks or questions asked. Full story here.
Defra has now announced reforms to the system following the scandal, in a bid to tackle waste crime and fly-tipping.
Ann Maidment, Director of CLA South West and owner of Beau Vine, said:
"Our Beau Vine campaign showed how weak the checks had become: if a cow could be approved in seconds, the system was too easy to abuse."
These reforms are a welcome step towards closing that gap, strengthening enforcement in a system that should protect the countryside, not help those who abuse it
“But good law depends on good implementation," says Ann. "The new permit system must be tough on rogue operators without placing needless cost, delay or bureaucracy on farmers and small rural businesses already doing the right thing.
“It should not have taken a cow getting approved to expose the problem, but it did help make the case for change. The priority now is making sure these reforms punish the criminals, not the compliant.”
What is changing?
New reforms are set to tighten the net on waste criminals with tougher sentences for those illegally dumping waste, and advanced background checks to help put rogue operators out of business.
As part of the major crackdown on waste criminals, underpinned by the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan, laws being laid this week will require waste handlers to prove they are qualified to transport waste.
Defra admits the current registration system is "broken and outdated, relying on a basic registration process with limited identity and background checks". This has been exploited by rogue operators.
The new and tougher permit-based system will be brought into force in 2027, and require waste handlers to undergo identity, criminal record and technical checks before receiving a permit. They will also need to display their permit number in advertising, including on their vans, making it easier for the public to report unlicensed operators.
For those mishandling waste, they will now face up to five years in prison. The move to permitting will also give the Environment Agency stronger powers to revoke permits and issue enforcement notices, Defra said.