Crackdown on fly-tipping
Furniture, gas bottles, asbestos and general waste are just some of the domestic rubbish illegally dumped. Furniture, gas bottles, asbestos and general waste are just some of the domestic rubbish illegally dumped. Cannock Chase District Council is highlighting the serious problems caused by flytipping on the streets and open areas of the town as part of its current Green Streets Campaign. Residents are reminded that they must dispose of household waste legally or face unlimited fines or up to five years in prison if hazardous waste is dumped illegally. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
Cannock Chase District Council is highlighting the serious problems caused by flytipping on the streets and open areas of the town as part of its current Green Streets Campaign.
Residents are reminded that they must dispose of household waste legally or face unlimited fines or up to five years in prison if hazardous waste is dumped illegally.
Cabinet member for environment, Councillor Danny Davies said: "Flytipping is the illegal disposal of waste onto land with no licence to accept it.
"It is estimated to cost between £100 and £150 million every year in the UK to investigate and clear up.
"This falls on law abiding taxpayers and private landowners and something we are clamping down on heavily.
"Flytipping causes terrible damage to the environment and it can be dangerous to people, pets and wildlife, whilst it can pollute land and waterways.
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"Repeated flytipping can also affect property prices and local business as well as helping to destroy the beautiful surrounding area we live in."
Barry Jayes, the council's street scene team leader, said: "The council is not obliged to remove any bulky household waste such as fridges or sofas from residents homes.
"However if residents need to dispose of any bulky waste, they can contact the council on 01543 462621 and for a charge of £13.65 per item bulky items can be taken away.
"Alternatively, they can take items themselves to the local tip – but on no account must they dump anything illegally."
The council is taking action against flytippers and is appealing for the public to help in identifying those who are dumping their rubbish without regard to the consequences.
If members of the public see someone tipping rubbish in a lane or on a field they should make a note of the time and vehicle registration number along with any other information and report it to the council on 01543 462621.
