Unlicensed waste is a health hazard

Unlicensed waste vehicles and illegally operating waste sites were discovered in Tower Hamlets as part of a crackdown across East London last week by the Metropolitan Police and the Environment Agency

Two of the 14 illegal waste sites visited around East London were found to be illegally exporting electronic waste to Africa while another two were handling hazardous waste. A total of 13 unlicensed waste vehicles were also found.

The swoop was part of Operation Ammolite, which aims to curb waste crime. Altogether, more than 60 vehicles and 50 sites were investigated as part of an operation announced in December when the Environment Agency pledged to invest £5m in a clampdown on waste crime across the UK.

The Environment Agency said East London has a “historic” problem with illegal waste disposal – particularly in Tower Hamlets. A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency said the campaign was to prevent East London from returning to the “bad old ways”.

Police found two cases in East London last week of fridges being broken up in the open air. The agency said dismantling fridges in the open air releases toxic gases and are a serious threat to nearby residents.

Paul Rickett, the borough commander of Tower Hamlets police said the operation was “a great initiative”.

By Toby Youell