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Extra powers proposed to tackle fly-tipping

Date: Monday, 06th Jan 2020 | Category: Uncategorised

Sandwell Council is stepping up its fight against fly-tipping with proposals to bring in £400 fines for householders who irresponsibly dispose of waste.

This follows concerns about householders getting unlicensed waste carriers to take items away – and rubbish then being illegally dumped in the borough.

Council environmental protection officers have issued 165 £400 fines to people caught fly-tipping in Sandwell since a new enforcement drive started in May 2017.

The council now plans to give the enforcement team extra powers to deal with waste dumping from households.

Council Leader Councillor Yvonne Davies said: “The introduction of these new penalties will help officers in the fight against the growing problem of fly-tipping, which is a huge national issue.

“The new fines will significantly strengthen our approach to tackling fly-tipping and make householders think twice about who they get to dispose of items.

“Sandwell has been a trailblazer in the West Midlands for dealing with fly-tipping, including environmental enforcement, and the new penalties will ensure we have extra powers to further improve our response.”

Councillor Davies added: “I think people will welcome the extra fines because fly-tipping is really anti-social and disgraceful. If people refuse to pay door-to-door callers to dispose of their waste, this will help us tackle the situation.”

The council also uses CCTV cameras to monitor fly-tipping ‘hot spots’, which has helped officers identify fly-tippers and fine them.

Under the new stricter rules, householders will be responsible for ensuring they use a licensed waste carrier.

And the council emphasises to householders that reputable licensed waste carriers would provide customers with receipts and other relevant paperwork for their services, giving them proof they have used an authorised company.

Residents are urged not to use door-to-door callers to dispose of their waste. For large items that won’t fit in the bin, people are encouraged to use the tip at Shidas Lane, Oldbury, or book a bulky waste collection at www.sandwell.gov.uk/bulkywaste. Each household with someone over 60 is entitled to one free collection of bulky waste (up to four items or one fridge/freezer) in any 12-month period.

The extra powers proposed will be discussed at the council’s Cabinet meeting on 8 January.