Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser is supporting a campaign by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to increase public awareness of criminal waste activity.
The politician is encouraging residents to be aware of scam online adverts offering the likes of cheap or same day waste collection.
SEPA’s digital regulation pilot, entitled Disrupting Digital Dumpers, has already identified that between 50% to 60% of businesses advertising on social media could be breaking the law by operating without holding the required waste carrier licence – and people handing over their waste may be contributing to fly-tipping and other waste crime.
This is an issue that is particularly relevant to Mr Fraser as he put together a Members’ Bill on Fly-tipping. The Bill has now progressed to the stage where Mr Fraser will lodge some amendments with regard to the Scottish Government’s Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill.
Mr Fraser’s Members’ Bill aims to improve current laws around fly-tipping by ensuring there are better reporting mechanisms; increasing sanctions in place and also ensuring strict liability for people who are responsible for dumping fly-tipping on someone else’s land.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “I fully support SEPA’s campaign to highlight better awareness of criminals advertising to remove waste and fly-tipping. Fly-tipping is a scourge on our land and must be dealt with firmly. I liaised with many interested groups during the process of working on my Members’ Bill on Fly-tipping and acknowledge just how serious a problem it is in Scotland.
“I was pleased to read that SEPA’s pilot work has already seen positive results. There has already been seven social media profiles and all their associated posts removed from online platforms, protecting householders from inadvertently giving their waste and their money to criminals.
“I was also delighted to read that some SEPA Officers are pursuing several lines of enquiry for follow-up investigation as a result of identifying unlicensed operators on social media.”
Mr Fraser continued: “It was interesting to read that SEPA’s investigations found that many online adverts offering the likes of waste clearances and junk removal are often not legitimate. I established through research for my Members’ Bill that many criminal gangs responsible for fly-tipping and dumping waste are operating in Scotland, so any move to clampdown on these unscrupulous criminals is very welcome.
“SEPA have advised residents to be aware of digital scammers by always asking for their waste carrier number and checking that they are registered with SEPA, confirming where they will take your waste and pay a fair price for the service. Anyone can also contact SEPA to check a Waste Carrier Licence number they have been given if you they cannot find it online.”
The campaign by SEPA is being undertaken as part of the National Litter and Flytipping Strategy.
More information on the Disrupting Digital Dumpers campaign is available by clicking here: link
