Scotland’s environment watchdog is to carry out spot checks in Shetland during October to help ensure that the transport and disposal of waste is managed responsibly. Officers from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency will inspect commercial vehicles carrying waste to check that they are meeting their legal obligations.

Waste that is not transported and disposed of properly has the potential to cause serious pollution. At best, it is a contributor to litter. Businesses and other organisations that transport waste have to comply with legislation that protects human health and the environment.

Kevin Osborn, Environment Protection Officer, said: “These spot checks aren’t just about making sure all the forms are filled in correctly. They give us a chance to talk to waste carriers and to help them understand how their actions can protect the environment. Shetland’s environment will benefit if we are able to raise awareness about the best ways to transport and dispose of waste.”

Shetland Amenity Trust was one organisation that was checked twice by SEPA during the last series of spot checks. These were carried out as part of the multi-agency Shetland anti-litter campaign. Mick Clifton of the Trust said: "Each and every transporter of waste has a responsibility to ensure that their load is safe and secure. As organisers of the Voar Redd Up, we see lots of bruck by roadsides that has obviously fallen or blown off trucks. We carry about 1,300 tonnes of waste each year and fully support this latest campaign to ensure waste carriers are properly licensed, that their cargo is secure and that they stick to the law.”

ENDS