‘If in doubt, don’t hand your waste over’
Fly‑tipping is a serious offence and carries tough penalties (Image: Cornwall Council)
Fly-tippers leaving bulky rubbish in the Devon countryside have been warned there is no hiding place.
South Hams Council has handed out four fixed penalty fines in the past six months at up to £600 a time, and has pledged to get tough.
“We take waste crime extremely seriously,” said Cllr Victor Abbott (Lib Dem, Ivybridge East). “We will use all powers available.”
The Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were handed out for breaches of waste duty of care legislation, which means people must take all reasonable measures to prevent fly-tipping and ensure waste is handled by licensed waste carriers and disposed of properly.
Cllr Abbott, who is the council’s executive member for community services, operations and leisure, said: “Fly-tipping is a blight on our countryside and a crime that endangers wildlife and damages our environment. We are determined to take action against those carrying out such crimes, and these FPNs are proof of that.
“We’re committed to keeping the area clean and tidy for our residents and visitors.”
He said people disposing of bulky waste should make sure they used a licensed carrier to protect themselves as well as the environment.
“If in doubt, don’t hand your waste over,” he said.
The first incident involved waste found dumped in a gateway in Plympton, including cardboard boxes, carpets and timber from renovation works. The second involved waste deposited in a lay-by in Ivybridge, consisting of cardboard boxes and bulky household items.
Following investigations, both individuals were invited to attend an interview under caution. Both admitted that they had failed to take reasonable measures to ensure their waste was disposed of legally, and FPNs were issued for failing in their duty of care responsibilities.
As well as taking action against those who fail in their duty of care responsibilities, the council says it also looks to take ‘firm’ enforcement action against people responsible for transporting and illegally disposing of waste.
They can face FPNs, prosecution and significant fines through the courts.
In the South Hams an FPN for breaching the duty of care on waste carries a £600 fee, which is cut to £400 if paid quickly.