Investigation launched into 'man in a van' dumping incident in Waterford

Waterford City and County Council are appealing for information after a large volume of household waste was dumped in Ballylaneen, Bonmahon in what has been called a "man with a van operation".

On Monday, December 15, the council’s environmental inspectors found the site, which had been subject to a considerable volume of illegal dumping.

Senior Executive Engineer Niall Kane said what happened in Bonmahon is a familiar situation for the Environment Department.

“This bears all the hallmarks of an unauthorised ‘man in a van’ operator.

“These illegal operators often advertise on social media and may seem to offer good value, but your waste could end up dumped like this.

“Before engaging someone to remove your waste, you should always check to ensure they have a waste collection permit,” said Mr Kane.

The public can check a permit by asking a collector to show them, and that permit can be checked on the National Waste Collection Permit Office website, www.nwcpo.ie.

All legitimate waste collectors are required to have their name and permit number on their vehicles.

“All people are responsible for their waste until it is disposed of correctly. If you give your waste to an inappropriate person, and they dump it, you could face prosecution,” said Mr Kane.

If anyone recognises the waste in Bonmahon and thinks they may have given it to a waste collector, please contact Waterford City and County Council on 0818 10 20 20 or by emailing contact@waterfordcouncil.ie.