Warning over illegal waste scam in Llanelli

Natural Resources Wales is warning people to be on their guard against illegal waste carriers who are operating in the Llanelli and surrounding areas.

Several incidents have been reported where businesses and homeowners have been approached with an offer to remove their waste for a price well below the accepted rate.

Pippa Sabine, Tackling Waste Crime officer for NRW, said:

“If an offer seems too good to be true then beware, it is highly likely that the carrier is operating illegally and dumping waste where it will harm the local community and the environment.

“On average a legitimate waste carrier charges around £52 to remove a car boot sized bundle of waste while a van load would cost £166 and an average skip load around £230.

“If your waste carrier is charging less ask to see their waste carrier’s licence and check NRW’s public register.”

Residents can dispose of their waste by visiting one of Carmarthenshire County Council’s recycling centres. The council also offers a bulky waste collection service.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board member for public protection, Councillor Phillip Hughes said:

“A number of sites for household waste and recycling are provided throughout the county and the council also has a bulky waste collection service.

“If residents have any excess household waste to dispose of they must make sure that any
private individuals or companies they use are properly authorised to carry waste, if they don’t and their waste is found fly-tipped they could be prosecuted and fined.

“We all have a part to play in keeping our communities clean, the council is committed to tackling fly-tipping and by working together with our partners we can improve the quality of the environment in Carmarthenshire for both residents and visitors.”

Waste crime is a serious problem costing businesses, landowners and tax payers millions of pounds every year and causing significant harm to the environment, human health and wildlife.

Anybody who suspects illegal waste activity in their area should report it via NRW’s’ incident hotline on 0300 065 3000.

Pippa added:

“Waste crime is not only dangerous to the environment and people, it also undermines legitimate waste operators.

“If we have concerns that someone is not playing by the rules we will investigate and take the appropriate action.

“Waste operators have strict rules they have to abide by for a reason – to ensure businesses operate on a level playing field and that people and the environment are protected.”

For further information on recycling and bulky waste please visit the council’s website https://www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/home/search-results?q=waste+carrier