- The UK government is set to introduce stricter background checks and new regulations for waste carriers, prompted by an incident where a cow was granted a licence for household rubbish disposal under the current system.
- New laws, to be laid this week, will require all individuals handling and transporting waste to prove their qualifications, with operators found mishandling waste facing potential prison sentences of up to five years.
- The current paper-based system, which involves limited identity and background checks, has been exploited by organised criminals and rogue operators, contributing to a significant increase in illegal dumping and fly-tipping across the country.
- Coming into force in 2027, the updated system will mandate rigorous online identity, criminal record, and competency assessments for applicants, who will then be required to display their permit numbers publicly, including on their vehicles.
- Waste minister Mary Creagh stated the reforms aim to deter fictitious operators and widespread criminality, with the new permit system providing stronger enforcement powers for the Environment Agency and being funded by operator fees.
IN FULL
A cow was handed a waste carriers licence. Now MPs are calling for tighter checks
