Environment Agency Warn about Using Apps to Dispose of Waste

The Environment Agency has released a warning regarding risks of using apps to arrange disposal of waste. All businesses which carry, broker or deal with waste must have an ‘upper tier’ registration with the Environment Agency, however recent investigations have found a number of apps set up by unregistered operators, apps which do not register or allow unregistered operators to use their platform are failing to meet their duty of care.

Individuals and organisations are still responsible for disposing of their waste legally and safely even when using an app to arrange disposal. It is important to do your research before using waste disposal apps as failing to meet your duty of care can to prosecution.

As well as the risk or prosecution the Environmental Agency point out that there are health and safety risks related to giving waste to unauthorised disposers. Particularly related to:

• The disposal of hazardous waste that requires specialist treatment
• Waste with hazardous properties such as paint, cleaning chemicals, lightbulbs, batteries, and asbestos

The Environmental Agency highlights that anyone can check whether a waste disposal company is registered with the Environmental Agency on the public register.

If you have any questions or would like support with managing issues at your workplace, please speak to your usual contact or get in touch using the form below.