Perthshire farmers fined £600 for illegally burning plastic, tyres and carpet

A farm has been fined £600 for illegally burning waste in Perthshire.

The firm of S and W Livingston and Co was served the penalty by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Two SEPA officers attended the site to investigate a report of burning on May, 19, 2023.

During the visit, officers met with a partner at the business who said he had set a fire the day before with some waste from the farm.

The environment watchdog found there was no authorisation in place permitting the disposal of waste by burning.

The officers identified some of the burned items which included plastics, treated wood, various metal items such as what appeared to be trailing farm equipment, cardboard, nails, two tyres with visible wire and carpet.

Calum McGregor, of SEPA’s Environmental Crime Team said the penalty should act as a warning to others who burn waste illegally.

“Illegally burning waste is unacceptable, and often done to avoid the charges for taking wastes to permitted waste sites for recovery or disposal,” he said.

“When inappropriate waste is burned, it can release harmful gases, and any ash and waste which is left behind can also pollute surface and groundwater.”

Mr McGregor added urged anyone disposing of waste to treat burning as a “last option”.

“This civil penalty should act as a warning to others that we will take action against those who ignore Scotland’s environmental regulations,” he said.

“I would urge anyone disposing of waste to treat burning as a last option, and to ensure that they check what authorisations would be required. If you’re not sure get in touch with us, we’re happy to provide advice and guidance.”