21/06/2006 -
The Waste Enforcement Officers in Sligo County Council have reported an increased number of complaints regarding the illegal disposal of waste on private lands. Illegal disposal of waste has the potential to create environmental pollution to water, soil and air. Under waste management legislation, landowners are liable to prosecution should dumping occur on their lands, whether they are complicit in the activity or not.
Commenting on the problem, Matthew Byrne, Waste Enforcement Officer said, “Waste material is being offloaded just about anywhere, fields, low-lying land, even wetlands and sensitive locations. Waste is being illegally dumped, buried or burned and the Council is taking a very tough approach on prosecuting this type of illegal activity”. “If waste is illegally disposed of on an unauthorised site the landowner could be liable for the costs of the clean up and proper recovery and disposal as well as a hefty fine”, said Mr. Byrne.
Householders
It is very important that householders ensure that waste collectors in their area are properly licensed. Remember that producers of waste are responsible for all waste until it is properly disposed of or recycled. It is an offence to give your waste to people calling to the door unless they hold a valid waste collection permit.