Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment 2005
Clean Neighbourhoods And Environment Act 2005
Summary
The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 contains a variety of environmental measures, including changes to the system of recycling credits.
This legislation also deals with fly tipping, and introduces tougher penalties for this. Under this, employees are no longer able to use the excuse of working under their employers' instructions if caught fly tipping. The court may also order the accused to pay for the costs of cleaning the land, and also the Environment Agency's and waste collection authority's costs. Any vehicles suspected of being involved in fly tipping may be seized.
Implications
It is now the responsibility of everyone working in the construction industry to ensure all waste is disposed of properly. All employees will need to be made aware that if they are tasked with waste disposal this must be carried out in accordance with the law, or they risk being fined and having their vehicles seized.
This could involve staff training to make sure everyone is aware of the implications of this piece of legislation.
Overlaps
This overlaps with the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003, as both put procedures in place to handle fly tipping.
Opportunities
Waste contractors will benefit from this, as the construction industry is now obligated to dispose of all waste in accordance with the law.
Guidance
The Act can be viewed at the following website:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2005/ukpga_20050016_en_1
Defra has also produced some guidance on the Act: