In a recent statement Recycling Minister Lord De Mauley revealed that tackling waste crime was amongst the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra’s) top priorities this year.

Outlining plans for legislation around this area the minister said waste offences ‘would not be tolerated’.

He said: “Proportionate regulation is vital to protect the environment and there must be a level playing field for investors to have confidence. Waste operators who are flouting the law will not be tolerated.

“The Environment Agency is dealing with issues including illegal waste exports and incidents where waste is dumped illegally. Defra is working to ensure that the level of fines for acts of illegal dumping do act as a deterrent.”

The situation regarding illegal exports has been further highlighted recently by Which? who took 6 TVs for recycling at high street stores and then tracked their location. The investigation uncovered equipment being sent to various other countries rather than being recycled.

National Environmental Crime Team Officers also recently conducted Operation Boron which tracked IT waste being processed by recyclers in the UK. The operation found hazardous fridges, freezers and computers were among 450 tonnes illegally exported to Nigeria, Ghana and Pakistan.

If you are in doubt about the legitimacy of your IT recycler, it is well within your rights to conduct an audit of the companies recycling facilities. By visiting a processing facility, you can get a feel for how much real recycling is taking place.

AssetCare offer secure IT recycling and destruction with the added assurance of PAS141 and ADISA accreditations. If you would like to find out more about AssetCare or visit one of our secure recycling facilites, please call 0800 091 0000.