Arabic version: الحكومة البريطانية تكشف عن قواعد أكثر صرامة لترخيص ناقلي النفايات

New regulations aimed at tightening waste carrier licensing will be introduced this week to combat illegal rubbish dumping in England. According to BBC News, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced that the new rules will require waste carriers to demonstrate their qualifications rather than simply filling out an online form.

The updated licensing system, set to take effect in 2027, will introduce custodial sentences of up to five years for the illegal transportation of waste. Campaigners have criticized the current system for being too vulnerable to exploitation. The Environmental Services Association, a waste industry body, expressed support for the changes, stating that they will empower authorities to swiftly address rogue operators.

Under the proposed changes, waste carriers will transition to a permit system that mandates identity and criminal record checks for applicants. Unlike the current process, which allows registration by merely paying a fee of £191.02, the new system will require proof of qualifications. Additionally, the permit number must be displayed in advertising and on vehicles.

Waste minister Mary Creagh emphasized the need for these changes, stating, “Waste cowboys have abused the system for too long, blighting our countryside and cities alike.” The reforms are part of a broader Waste Crime Action Plan that aims to tackle various aspects of waste criminality, including fly-tipping and illegal waste sites.

The changes were prompted in part by a recent incident involving a cow named Beau Vine, which was able to obtain a waste disposal license with minimal effort. Creagh noted that under the new regulations, such cases would be impossible as animals would not meet the requirements for digital identity verification. The government is also considering additional measures to empower local authorities and the Environment Agency in addressing waste crimes more effectively.