The Environment Agency has launched its third National Waste Crime Survey, urging businesses and individuals in the waste and resource management sector to participate. This survey is crucial for understanding the scale, impact, and deterrence of waste crime across England.
Why is this survey important?
Waste crime costs the economy an estimated £1 billion annually. It includes illegal activities such as fly-tipping, operating illegal waste sites, and mis-describing waste. The survey aims to gather insights from those directly affected by these crimes to help the Environment Agency take more effective action against waste criminals.
The waste industry plays a vital role in combating waste crime. By participating in the survey, businesses can help shape the Environment Agency’s strategic priorities and actions, provide valuable insights into the challenges and trends of waste crime, and contribute to a safer and more efficient waste management system.
How can you participate?
The survey is open for three weeks and can be accessed online here. ESA is supporting the Environment Agency in encouraging all stakeholders to participate and help promote the survey to others in the waste industry. ESA’s Head of Regulation, Sam Corp, said:
“ Tackling waste crime has always been a high priority for ESA and its members – as well as the environmental harm it causes, waste crime also harms the economy by taking business away from responsible, legitimate companies. We have regularly called for more rigorous regulation, effective enforcement, and increased collaboration between regulatory bodies, and we strongly encourage all ESA Members and the wider industry to take part in the National Waste Crime Survey to help drive more effective regulation.”
How will the data be used?
The data collected will help the Environment Agency to understand the scale and impacts of waste crime in England, find out what will encourage people to report waste criminals, understand what will deter people from committing a waste crime, and assess the effectiveness of action taken by the agency and its partners to reduce waste crime.
Together, we can crack down on waste criminals and protect our environment.
ENDS
