The Environment Agency has announced it will take the necessary steps to stop illegal waste carriers and improve road safety in England.

The agency has said that companies must register as a waste carrier if they either transport waste, or buy, sell or dispose of waste. They added that some carriers operate illegally without the necessary licence, and do not dispose of waste legally.

Any business that uses a waste carrier must check that they are registered to dispose of waste and not allow the waste carrier to dispose of their waste illegally, the EA has warned.

The Agency said: “Every year waste crime costs taxpayers and businesses £1 billion. The Environment Agency spent almost £15 million stopping illegal waste activity between April 2015 and March 2016.”

The Environment Agency and DVSA will share intelligence and carry out joint operations in England to stop waste being illegally transported, and target unsafe drivers and vehicles. As part of the agreement, enforcement teams will also be provided with up-to date and relevant intelligence about waste industry operators.