Warning to dispose of rubbish responsibly in Wiltshire this Christmas
The Council's given out seven flytipping fines in recent weeks
We're being asked to think carefully about getting rid of rubbish this Christmas in Wiltshire - as it's usually a time when we've got more waste to deal with.
Wiltshire Council's reminding us about our 'duty of care' with rubbish.
They're discouraging us from using 'tip run' services, advertised on social media - as the waste can be traced back to us if it's later found to be flytipped.
It comes as the authority's given out £4,200 worth of fines to seven Wiltshire residents in recent weeks - after they gave rubbish to unlicensed collectors who then dumped it in the countryside or road verges.
There's some advice from the Council to protect ourselves:
- Check the waste carriers’ licence of the people taking the rubbish away and note down the waste carriers licence number.
- Take their vehicle registration and details.
- Get a receipt.
If the waste is dumped, the householder could then give council officers this information, which would then mean that the person who dumped the waste is liable for prosecution, rather than the householder.
Cllr Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Flooding, said:
“We know that we can sometimes experience higher incidents of fly-tipping over the Christmas period as people can generate more waste, and that’s why we’re keen to make people aware of the correct process to follow when considering the use of a waste clearance service to avoid being fined or prosecuted.
“We want to remind everyone that in order to avoid rogue traders, to please check that they have a valid waste carrier licence, to note down their vehicle registration details and to get a receipt. This is the best way people can ensure that they are protecting themselves from being investigated or fined.
“Our message is clear – We’re Targeting Fly-tippers in Wiltshire and we will take action against anyone who dumps waste in our beautiful county.”