A government watchdog is looking to charge more than £100 per hour to tackle businesses that breach Simpler Recycling laws.
The Environment Agency published a consultation on proposals to introduce the fee as part of its enforcement of the new waste management regime.
Many workplaces across England must recover plastic, metal, glass and paper separately from general refuse under rules that came into effect in March.
The Environment Agency said this month: “We are proposing to introduce an hourly rate (time and materials charge) of £118 for businesses or occupiers of relevant non-domestic premises that are not complying with the requirements for Simpler Recycling.
“Where non-compliance is found, the business or occupier of a relevant non-domestic premises would have to pay us for the time taken to: identify the breach; provide advice; serve a compliance notice; and [carry out] any further compliance assessment.”
It added: “Simpler Recycling requirements will be a significant step towards meeting the government’s ambition to recycle 65 per cent of municipal waste by 2035.
“Failure to regulate would have a detrimental effect on the environment and reduce the chances of this target being met. Our new regulatory service will help us achieve increased recycling rates and protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfill.”
Ian Adamson, account manager at Select Environmental Services, said on LinkedIn: “If ever there was a time to make sure your waste management provider knows what they’re doing – this is it.”
