The Environment Agency has suspended the waste permit for a Carlisle waste firm after they stored non-hazardous waste on areas of the site that do not have sealed drainage, risking contaminated liquid entering water and risking pollution to the environment. 

Waste Transfer Services have had the permit suspended for their site at Thackwood Material Recycling Facility, Southwaite, Carlisle, meaning no further waste can be brought to the site.

Any waste being brought onto the site classes as a criminal offence and could lead to prosecution.

As part of the suspension the operator is also required to reduce the amount of waste they are storing, to the reduce risk of pollution.    

All waste operators require a permit from the Environment Agency to make sure they are correctly storing and disposing of waste.

This permit means operators have to follow rules to protect the environment, local communities, and other businesses.

When the Environment Agency believes these rules are not being followed, enforcement powers are available to suspend the permits.  

The Environment Agency will now continue to monitor the site ensuring it is complying with the permit suspension.   

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Enforcement officers have suspended the waste permit for Waste Transfer Services at Thackwood Material Recycling Facility.   

“Members of the public and business in the area need to be aware that if you take your waste onto this site you are committing a criminal offence.   

“Effective regulation is vital to protect our air, land, and water from harm. That’s why the Environment Agency takes our responsibility to protect the environment very seriously

“If members of the public spot waste crime in their area, report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or call our incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”