Donegal County Council has confirmed it recently prosecuted the operators of two unauthorised breakers yards.
They were brought before the courts for breaches of the Waste Management Act where the accused were involved in ‘breaking cars’, without the proper licences.
Two such cases taken in Donegal recently resulted in convictions, fines and costs awarded to the council. The accused were also responsible for removing all waste from the lands in question.
“It is important to note that when cars are dismantled/broken up, there are a number of waste streams created,” a council spokesperson said.
“These include hazardous waste, for example oil filters, explosive components ( such as airbags), brake pads containing asbestos, brake fluids and antifreeze fluids containing hazardous substances.”
Authorised end of life vehicle facilities will have a Waste Facility Permit and planning permission.
“They have infrastructure and procedures in place so that the risk of environmental pollution is minimised as a result of the dismantling and storage of old vehicles,” the spokesperson added.
“Unauthorised waste activity has the potential to cause serious environmental pollution, impact negatively on the waste industry and create public health issues. Those found to be operating ‘unauthorised ELV sites’ will be subject to enforcement actions.”
If a member of the public is disposing of an end of life vehicle, they must ensure they use an ‘authorised waste facility’ and that they are provided with a Certificate Of Destruction (COD) to show lawful disposal. Alternatively, they must ensure their waste collector holds a valid Waste Collection Permit.
“If your vehicle is found at an unauthorised site you too could be subject to enforcement actions.”
Contact Donegal County Council for a list of authorised treatment facilities