Easier identification for waste carriers?

The recent Defra consultation on handling, transfer and transport of waste asked for views on the proposal to require proof of waste carrier registration to be displayed in the waste carrier's vehicle. It seems that some respondents are opposing the suggestion because they foresee problems in making sure their vehicle drivers comply. But surely these difficulties are outweighed by the benefits?

Lindsay Millington is Director General of the British Metals Recycling Association, the trade association for ferrous and non ferrous metal recycling companies. She represents the industry on a number of UK and European bodies, including Defra's waste strategy stakeholder group and the BERR end-of-life vehicle consultation group. Following an early career in the not-for-profit sector, she was chief executive of the metals sector skills body, MetSkill, from 1990 to 2005, where she led a variety of initiatives including the re-introduction of metals manufacturing apprenticeships and vocational qualifications.

All legitimate waste carriers would be able to demonstrate their compliance easily and quickly, whether at a roadside checkpoint or en-route to a collection or recycling facility. They would also be less likely to be pulled over, since evidence of compliance would be clear. Police checking for stolen goods would be able to add the windscreen disc to electronic systems which already check passing vehicles for tax discs, and stopping stolen materials on route would help to protect the recycler against unknowingly accepting such deliveries. Moreover, legitimate deliveries to the weighbridge could be easily checked.

Procedures 

Any system of proof does need to be watertight. Discs would need to be vehicle specific to prevent abuse of the system. There would need to be arrangements whereby discs could be issued quickly, especially when loan vehicles are required in the short-term.

There would also need to be a procedure for the de-registration of vehicles, particularly those sold to third parties during the registration period. But appropriate fines and other penalties, including licence revocation for repeat offenders would provide a genuine incentive to comply.

The introduction of waste carrier windscreen discs is a simple change that would bring benefits for industry, regulators and the Police alike. It is a change that BMRA members have been seeking for some time – a way in which regulation can be used to help the legitimate operator, rather than just add to the burden. Let's hope that it is a change that happens soon.