Fuel laundering waste crime in Northern Ireland

What is Fuel Laundering Waste?

Fuel laundering waste has become an increasing problem in Northern Ireland. Markerdyes are removed from red and green diesel, often by criminal gangs, and then sold asfuel to motorists and retailers.

The residual toxic waste is then indiscriminately dumped across the countryside causingharm to the environment, which is a criminal offence.

Why does it matter?

Dumping toxic fuel laundering waste affects us all through its potential to damage human health, the environment, and the cost to local councils for clear up.

Proper disposal of 1000 litres of fuel laundering waste costs approximately £360, causing an unnecessary burden to councils and ratepayers, and diverting resources away from other services. Criminal waste disposal also has an economic impact on legitimate waste operators.

The council areas most affected by disposal of fuel laundering waste are Newry & Mourne, Craigavon, and Armagh.

How can you help stop this pollution of your environment?

You can report Fuel Laundering Waste Crime to Crimestoppers or to the Northern IrelandEnvironment Agency’s Environmental Crime Unit. You can call Crimestoppersanonymously on 0800 555 111.

NIEA Environmental Crime Unit can be contacted on 028 9056 9453 or at environmentalcrime@doeni.gov.uk

What are the penalties?

The Department of the Environment takes illegal waste disposal seriously. Criminals can receive unlimited fines, sentenced to imprisonment, and can be required to pay back the profits they have made.

For more information about this waste crime visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/report-waste-crime