Cotswold District Council issued three fixed penalty notices to individuals following investigations of reports of fly tipping last month. Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and those involved in the activity could face fines and/or prosecution.
Cllr Andrew Doherty, Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste and Recycling said:
“We are seeing more illegitimate waste removal services offered to residents. These services offer unrealistically low prices by avoiding licensing and cutting corners to dispose of waste dangerously and illegally. Please make sure you check any service you use is registered and legitimate before using them otherwise you could be liable.
“If you witness an incident of fly-tipping, please report it as soon as you can, that gives our officers the best chance of catching the perpetrators and by working together we can help tackle this blight on our countryside.”
Although the majority of trades people and companies can be trusted to dispose of waste in a responsible manner, it is crucial to be aware that some may be operating illegally. If an operator illegally dumps someone else’s waste, the owner of the waste is also liable.
Kevin Lea, Enviro-Crime Programmes Officer at Cotswold District Council, explained:
“It’s essential that residents err on the side of caution and think twice about ‘too good to be true’ low cost quotes when seeking a waste removal service. Under the ‘Domestic Duty of Care’, any resident must ensure that the service is carried out by an authorised person or company otherwise they could face a fine of £400.
“When looking for a waste management company, residents should only hire someone who is registered and licensed by the Environment Agency. A reputable company will also be happy to share details of their licence number so their credentials can be checked. The company should be fully insured and a Duty of Care waste transfer note should be handed over once the rubbish has been removed. If you take all reasonable measures to meet your duty of care, this will ensure you'll avoid receiving an unexpected fine.
“'In line with our Clean and Green initiative, our collective goal is to maintain and improve the beautiful district that we’re so proud of. By working together to make things better, we can protect our environment, help people do the right thing and tackle those who do not. As a Council we’d like to thank everyone who has played their part thus far.”
Household waste is generally considered to be any waste produced in a domestic property. As well as regular black bin bag waste, this also includes other material such as old mattresses, furniture and household appliances.
To report illegal fly tippings, please visit: https://cotswold.gov.uk/environment/report-fly-tipping/
If you have any questions on fly tipping or responsible waste disposal, please email: ers@cotswold.gov.uk