Published: Tuesday, 10th March 2020
The campaign to SCRAP fly-tipping in west Norfolk continues with a successful prosecution.
Last month a man who pleaded guilty of dumping 14 fridges and two cookers in Syderstone as well as household waste in Pentney was ordered to pay £1700 in costs, fines and compensation.
Cllr Ian Devereux, borough council cabinet member for Environment, welcomed the conviction: “Fly-tipping is a blight on our area and to remove, investigate and dispose of it costs taxpayers money.
“Investigations are time consuming, this particular case took nearly 18 months to bring to court which is not unusual. The borough council have officers that work full time on looking in to cases of illegal fly-tipping. Checking the evidence, chasing up leads and reports from members of the public. Putting that information together and getting to a level where we can take it to court is a complex and lengthy process.
“In west Norfolk in 2018 we had 1500 cases of waste dumped illegally, the figure reduced to less than 1000 last year but I’ll be pleased when the figure is zero.
“Residents can report where they see fly-tipping through the borough council website. You place a pin on a map to let us know where it has been dumped, if it’s on public land we will clear it and look for evidence.”
The SCRAP Fly-tipping campaign is highlighting that it is really important that you give your waste to registered waste carriers. If you’re suspicious of them you can check their credentials with the Environment Agency.
The householder duty of care means everyone has responsibility for disposing of their waste legally and failure to do so could result in an unlimited fine.
People can avoid a fine by following the SCRAP code:
S uspect ALL waste carriers
C heck with the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 that the provider taking the waste away is licensed
R efuse unexpected offers to have waste taken away
A sk what will happen to the waste
P aperwork should be obtained – a waste transfer note or at least get a full receipt
For more information about the campaign, fly-tipping and legal ways to get rid of unwanted items, visit: www.norfolkrecycles.com/scrapflytipping
The SCRAP fly-tipping campaign is an initiative between Norfolk Police, the Environment Agency, the NFU and the Country Land and Business Association, the campaign is being delivered locally by the Norfolk Waste Partnership, which is made up of the eight councils in the county.
The SCRAP fly-tipping campaign gives people the chance to find out more about what their options and responsibilities are when disposing of their waste and reminding them of their duty of care.
If anyone believes the waste service offered is illegal they can report this anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Waste Carriers Licences should start with either CBDL or CBDU prefix – people are also urged to check the expiry date.