Two Swindon residents fined £600 over fly-tipping incidents
Wiltshire Council urges residents to check waste carriers to avoid penalties
Two Swindon residents have been issued £600 fines following fly-tipping incidents in the Wiltshire Council area, highlighting the need for vigilance in disposing of waste correctly.
The first case involved a significant fly-tip found on Stone Lane, Lydiard Millicent. Items dumped included a fridge, household fittings, furniture, carpets, and rubble.
Wiltshire Council's Environmental Enforcement Team traced the source of the waste to a Swindon resident who had recently moved house. They admitted arranging for the waste to be cleared by paying £130 to the driver of a yellow waste van they saw locally.
The individual failed to check the waste carrier’s licence, collect a receipt, note the vehicle registration number, or record any identifying details.
As a result, they were found in breach of their legal duty of care for household waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and were issued a fixed penalty notice (FPN), which has since been paid.
Second fly-tip uncovered in Lydiard Tregoze
The second incident occurred on Hook Street, Lydiard Tregoze, where a single bag of food waste and personal items was discovered fly-tipped.
A local resident removed the waste and reported it to Wiltshire Council, enabling officers to trace it back to another Swindon resident.
Like the first case, the resident failed to ensure their waste had been transferred to a licensed waste collector, resulting in a £600 fine.
Council campaign tackles fly-tipping
Wiltshire Council emphasised its commitment to addressing fly-tipping through its ‘We're Targeting Fly-tippers’ (WTF) campaign. As part of this initiative, the resident who assisted in the Hook Street investigation will receive high street vouchers for providing evidence that led to enforcement action.
Although FPNs do not constitute court convictions, the council is reminding residents of their legal duty of care for household waste. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 mandates individuals to check waste carriers’ credentials carefully before handing over any waste.
How to comply and avoid penalties
Councillor Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene, and Flooding, outlined steps to ensure proper waste disposal:
- Never hand waste to an unlicensed individual, as you may still be held responsible if the waste is dumped.
- Verify that the collector has a valid waste carrier licence, which can be checked on the Environment Agency’s website.
- Record vehicle details, including make, model, colour, and registration.
- Keep a written record or receipt as proof.
“Fly-tipping damages our countryside, creates hazards, and costs taxpayers money to clean up," Smith said. "If you're disposing of waste, take a moment to check a carrier's licence and keep a receipt. It’s the law, and it protects you."
Reporting fly-tipping
Wiltshire Council encourages anyone who spots fly-tipping or suspects illegal waste disposal to report it using the MyWilts online reporting system. Further information on tackling fly-tipping and reporting processes can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/fly-tipping.