The Joint Unit for Waste Crime (JUWC) has crushed skip wagons owned by the operators of a suspected illegal waste facility in Great Harwood.

The JUWC has been investigating a number of individuals and related companies concerned in this unpermitted activity for several months, uncovering an uncontrolled landfill site that poses an unacceptable risk to the environment, causes harm and distress to communities, and undercuts legitimate businesses.

In February, following an extensive partnership investigation, a day of action at the site led to the seizure of skip wagons suspected to be involved in waste offences.

Lancashire Telegraph: A skip lorry, from suspected illegal waste site in Great Harwood, being crushedA skip lorry, from suspected illegal waste site in Great Harwood, being crushed

The JUWC crushed seven skip wagons which were being used in this operation at the Great Harwood site.

The individuals and companies concerned have consistently been given extensive advice and guidance and clear direction to stop any illegal activity. 

Despite this, these operators have refused to stop and continued to conduct their uncontrolled waste operations.

The Joint Unit for Waste Crime has used appropriate statutory powers to seize the skip wagons leading to their destruction.

The Joint Unit for Waste Crime is still conducting formal investigation so cannot comment further. All appropriate further enforcement action will be considered and pursued.

Lancashire Telegraph: Seven lorries were crushed by The Joint Unit for Waste Crime Seven lorries were crushed by The Joint Unit for Waste Crime

A spokesperson for the Joint Unit for Waste Crime said: We take illegal waste operations, such as this very seriously and are determined to make life hard for criminals.

"We will not tolerate those that deliberately offend, putting both communities and the environment at risk.”

“We previously seized skip wagons from the site in February as they continue to refuse to abide by the law and wreak havoc on the environment. We have now crushed those wagons taking them off the streets. 

"When examined by our partners the DVSA they were all found to be un-road worthy and dangerous for other road users.  This action demonstrates our ability to work with partners to disrupt illegal activity alongside gathering evidence for court”

Lancashire Telegraph: A truck from a Great Harwood waste site being crushedA truck from a Great Harwood waste site being crushed

“We urge members of the public and other traders not to use these operators when disposing of waste, this is an illegal waste site and is damaging your environment. Legitimate businesses are listed on the environment agency public register.

"We value the public’s support and would also like to take this opportunity to encourage members of the public to report cases of waste crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 so we can all work together to tackle waste crime and improve our environment for future generations.”

Serious and organised waste crime is estimated to cost the UK economy roughly £1 billion a year in England alone.

It is vital that anyone using a waste company knows the difference between a legitimate business and an illegal operation and what to look out for.

Members of the public can make sure a waste company is legal by checking their credentials on the waste register on Gov.uk.