News Roundup
Landfill Ban Enforcement Paused (SEPA Temporary Approach)
Scotland’s long-awaited landfill ban has been delayed once again, as SEPA introduces a temporary enforcement approach to give operators more time to comply. Under the new framework, landfill operators can apply for six-month extensions if they can prove there’s no viable alternative for disposal. Alasdair notes this could mean multiple rounds of approvals — stretching SEPA’s capacity and delaying the environmental benefits of the original policy.
Waste Crime ‘Critically Under-Prioritised’
A new report reveals that waste crime is being treated with dangerously low priority across the UK. The scale is staggering — an estimated 38 million tonnes of waste is illegally managed each year, costing billions and undermining legitimate operators. Jane and Alasdair discuss how illegal dumping, rogue traders, and poor enforcement have created what one MP called “the new narcotics trade.”
House of Lords Calls for Crackdown on Waste Crime
The House of Lords Committee on the Environment and Climate Change has issued a scathing report criticising the lack of coordination between regulators, councils, and law enforcement. They warn that the current system is “fragmented and ineffective,” allowing criminal operations to flourish while compliant businesses face excessive red tape. Both hosts agree: enforcement needs teeth, not just talk.
National Litter and Fly-Tipping Strategy: Year 2 Update & Year 3 Plan
The Scottish Government has published its Year 2 update and Year 3 action plan on litter and fly-tipping. There’s progress — including six new monetary penalties from SEPA and improved data sharing — but Alasdair argues that reporting systems still need major improvement. “We’ve moved on from Dumb Dumpers,” he says, “but not by much.” Jane agrees that consistency across local authorities is key.
Deposit Return Delays and Transparency Row
In other news, the head of Circularity Scotland claims vital details about Scotland’s failed Deposit Return Scheme were “kept from” the organisation, raising questions about how the scheme was managed behind the scenes. With plans now paused indefinitely, Alasdair and Jane reflect on how poor communication and shifting policies have derailed what could have been a major circular economy success story.
Topic: Household Waste Recycling Sites (HWRCs)
This week’s main discussion dives into the often-overlooked world of Household Waste Recycling Sites — or, as most of us still call them, the tip. Jane reminds listeners that under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, councils are legally required to provide these facilities free of charge for householders (though not for businesses). They’re a vital part of the local waste system — taking everything from garden waste and cardboard to fridges, batteries, and hazardous items like asbestos.
Alasdair and Jane explore the challenges councils face running these busy sites: traffic management, health and safety, limited space, and the occasional misunderstanding over what goes where (“A garden slide isn’t garden waste — even if it came from your garden!”). They discuss the importance of good signage, clear layouts, and simple preparation at home — sorting waste into separate piles before arriving can make all the difference.
They also talk about the rise of booking systems, introduced during COVID and now used by several councils. Alasdair is a fan — saying it cuts queues, reduces abuse toward staff, and helps councils collect data to plan better. Jane sees both sides, warning that some residents dislike needing to book ahead and that digital exclusion could leave some people behind. Still, both agree that for many councils, it’s made life easier, safer, and more efficient.
The episode also shines a light on the human side of HWRCs — the staff who run them. Sadly, violence and aggression toward operators is becoming more common, with some councils now using body cameras for safety. Jane notes how important proper training and communication skills are, and Alasdair points listeners to SWITCH’s Violence and Aggression resources, including a video from Falkirk Council that’s worth sharing.
Finally, they celebrate the potential of reuse and repair at HWRCs — from on-site “reuse shops” to community partnerships recovering wood, paint, and furniture. As Jane puts it, “it’s waste for you, but not waste for someone else.” There’s huge potential to move further up the waste hierarchy, turning today’s recycling sites into tomorrow’s resource hubs.
Rubbish Rant: Waste Crime Without Consequence
This week, Alasdair’s rant circles back to the House of Lords’ waste crime report. He reminds listeners that legitimate waste operators are often the real victims — forced to compete with illegal traders offering “cheap” disposal by cutting corners. “At the end of the day,” he says, “it’s the people hiring these low-cost operators who drive the problem.” Jane agrees, calling out the unfairness of compliant operators being scrutinised while fly-tippers profit.
As always, the message is clear: responsible waste management needs proper enforcement, smarter systems — and a public willing to do the right thing.
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