FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL
North Lincolnshire Council is clamping down on flytipping and urging residents in the run up to Christmas to ensure they use a licenced waste carrier to dispose of their rubbish.
It is costing taxpayers £300,000 a year in clean-up costs and residents are at risk of falling foul of the law.
Last year alone, the council picked up 2,460 piles of rubbish that people dumped across North Lincolnshire; more than two thirds of this was in Scunthorpe.
By law, residents have a duty to ensure their waste is disposed of properly. Failing to do this could result in a fine or criminal record.
The council has produced an advice leaflet that is available at local links, libraries and other public facing buildings giving advice to residents to ensure they dispose of their waste properly. Details can also be found at www.northlincs,gov.uk/dutyofcare
The council provides a range of free services to enable residents to dispose of their excess waste. For more details, visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/bins-waste-recycling
Cllr Rob Waltham (Brigg & Wolds) leader, North Lincolnshire Council, pictured, said: “It costs thousands of pounds each year for the council to clean up illegally flytipped rubbish – a cost that ultimately falls to you, the taxpayer.
“Many residents will be looking for ways to get rid of their excess waste, particularly in the run up to Christmas and over the festive period and will look on social media sites such as Facebook. While the majority of waste carriers operate within the law, some do not and this is where residents could fall foul of the law by asking people to dispose of their rubbish when they are not licenced to do so. The rubbish is then being dumped illegally.
“To ensure you stay on the right side of the law, always check that the person you give your waste to is licenced with the Environment Agency and if they won’t or can’t prove this, turn them away. It might seem a cheap way to get rid of your rubbish, but it is costly in the long run – not just in clean-up costs, but to you too. In the eyes of the law, it is your rubbish and if the rubbish is traced back to you, you could receive an unlimited fine and a criminal record.
“Instead, use the council’s free services to dispose of your rubbish such as our household recycling centres or bulky item collection service.”
THE COUNCIL SAYS
Ensure you know your responsibility under the Household Duty of Care law by visiting www.northlincs.gov.uk/dutyofcare or call 01724 297000.
If you witness anyone littering or flytipping, please report it as soon as possible at www.northlincs.gov.uk or by calling 01724 297000.