An investigation is underway following the discovery of dumped asbestos inside a paper recycling bank.
The hazardous waste material was only discovered when the full load of recycled paper and cardboard was transferred into the temporary paper storage facility, prompting a costly clean-up and the loss of an estimated 100 tonnes of paper which had been contaminated by the asbestos. Ordinarily, this would have been due to be sent to a paper recycling processing plant, but on this occasion the material had to be disposed of through an authorised specialist outlet. The investigation has revealed that the asbestos was inserted piece by piece into the paper recycling bank in Norman Park in the week before Christmas.
The incident has prompted a warning about fly-tipping any items in or around recycling banks located across the Borough, with a warning that CCTV is being used to deter offenders who face potential prosecutions where the evidence exists. Residents are also being reminded that a collection service is available for asbestos and other materials which are also classified as hazardous. This collection service is operated on Bromley’s behalf by the City of London.
Councillor Will Rowlands, Executive Councillor for Environment said, “This was a malicious attempt to hide hazardous waste in household recycling material and it has made the disposal more complex and costly for the council - at the taxpayers expense. We are grateful, as ever to the Veolia team members who spotted the asbestos amongst the paper and card recycling, with their professional vigilance helping avert even greater potential environmental problems.”
Councillor Rowlands continued, “If anyone has information leading to a successful prosecution of this outrageous enviro-crime, then we would be interested to hear from them, with a reward of up to £500 also available. We are seeing a small minority using the recycling banks as a place to dump their rubbish and this has to stop! Even if someone has come in good faith to use the recycling bins, it is totally unacceptable to leave waste next to the bins, which is actually fly-tipping, even if on the rare occasion, they are full. Please find an alternative recycling bank or you may face prosecution.”
The total costs of the clean-up, disposing of the fly-tipped asbestos and disposing of the paper which could no longer be recycled is estimated to cost £35k.
Information about enviro-crimes which can be reported confidentially.
Ends
For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs Officer, on 020 461 7670 or email Andrew.Rogers@bromley.gov.uk.