Council launches crackdown on flytipping

A campaign to combat flytipping and encourage businesses to dispose of their waste correctly has been launched in East Durham.

Last year, it cost District of Easington Council almost £90,000 to deal with rubbish dumped at roadsides, on derelict land and at beauty spots in the area.

Now the authority is aiming to crack down on the problem by targeting employers and raising awareness of the penalties of being caught breaking the law.

Ian Hoult, Environmental Services Manager, said: “Each year, we receive more than a thousand reports of flytipping in the district, with the cost to the council of removing the resulting waste running into tens of thousands of pounds.

“The purpose of this campaign is to remind people that flytipping is an offence, that there is no excuse for dumping rubbish and that we will fine and prosecute anyone who fails to abide by the law.”

As part of the Pride in Easington-backed initiative, letters have already been sent to hundreds of businesses around the area outlining their legal obligation to ensure waste is stored and disposed of correctly.

The council is also working in partnership with East Durham Business Service to pass on this information to new businesses.

During the coming months, the council’s environmental wardens will also be carrying out regular stop and search checks on vehicles they suspect may be carrying unauthorised waste.

Anyone caught operating without a waste carrier’s licence can be fined up to £300, have their vehicle seized. The council may even pursue a prosecution against them.

Residents will also be reminded of their responsibility to check that anyone they employ to take away their rubbish has the correct paperwork. If illegally dumped waste is traced back to the original owner they could face a penalty of up to £5,000.

Posters and leaflets outlining the rules and regulations on flytipping are also being distributed to community centres, residents associations and other groups.

"We will be reminding residents and businesses that being caught flytipping could result in a fine of up to £50,000 if the case goes to court,” Ian added.

“The council provides a free collection service for household waste so there really is no excuse for dumping it.”

To arrange a free collection contact Envirocall on (0191) 527 5040.

Householders wishing to have waste removed by a private operator should ask to see the company's waste carrier registration and make a note of the number, or alternatively call the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 for an instant Waste Carrier Validation Check. Registered waste carriers can also be found on-line at the Environment Agency register.