A SWANSEA man has been given the highest penalty ever issued in Wales for transporting waste without a valid waste carrier licence.
Leon Medlam, of Long View Road, Clase, Swansea, was fined £1,760, ordered to pay £4,500 in costs, £150 in compensation, and a £704 victim surcharge, totalling £7,114.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the authority responsible for regulating waste carrier licences, has welcomed the stance taken by Llanelli Magistrates’ Courts on Friday, October 10. Medlam did not attend and was found guilty in his absence.
The case followed a joint day of action on April 2 in Bynea, Llanelli, where NRW worked in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police, Carmarthenshire County Council, and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
The operation targeted vehicles carrying waste to ensure they were properly licensed, helping to prevent illegal dumping and protect the environment.
During the operation, Medlam was stopped while transporting scrap metal and other controlled waste without a valid Waste Carrier Licence. He was cautioned and given 10 working days to register with NRW. Despite repeated follow-ups, Medlam failed to comply.
Businesses that regularly transport waste must be registered as waste carriers. Even if waste is moved infrequently, if it’s part of its usual business, a licence is legally required under the Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989.
Huwel Manley, NRW’s Head of Operations for South West Wales said: “This enforcement outcome sends a clear message: if you transport waste without a valid licence, you will be held accountable.
“Illegal waste activity harms our environment, undermines responsible businesses, and erodes public trust.
“Natural Resources Wales will continue to work with partners to crack down on waste crime and protect communities across Wales.”
NRW praised the strong partnership working that made this enforcement possible and reaffirmed its commitment to tackling waste crime.
Mr Manley added: “These joint operations help protect communities and the environment, while supporting legitimate businesses that follow the rules.”
Registering as a waste carrier with NRW is quick and easy process that can be completed in just a few minutes.
Holding a valid licence shows a business operates responsibly and ensures waste is taken to authorised disposal or recycling facilities rather than being fly tipped and the subsequent impacts that has on our communities.
NRW will continue to take firm action against those who operate illegally and undermine responsible businesses.
In addition to the responsibility of a waste carrier to have a licence, members of the public who are considering paying someone to dispose of their waste are legally required to ensure that the business holds a valid Waste Carrier Licence.
Always ask to see the licence and verify the licence number before agreeing to any waste removal.
If waste is disposed of illegally and traced back to its source, the individual who arranged the disposal may also face prosecution and a fine.
Register for a waste carrier licence via NRW’s website by clicking here.
