Last week Catlin Insurance Company said they were no longer underwriting risks for the waste industry, having made a net loss during five years of covering waste businesses.

Stephen Wise, business development and technology director, Neales Waste Management, said: “The recent withdrawal of Catlin will further reduce the already depleted pool of insurers underwriting waste and recycling facilities.

“The reduction in the number of insurers working in there sector, coupled with an increase in accidents and claims, has resulted in a significant increase in premiums.”

Paul Evans, chartered insurance broker at Butler Evans, said: “The insurance industry has both the expertise and experience to take on these risks at fair premium levels, the main problem is that the majority of businesses in this sector still lack the necessary levels of fire risk management.”