Enviro-crime rewards of up to £500 are being made available for to encourage information to come forwards leading to the successful prosecution of a fly tipper.
To help combat fly tipping, at a time of year where the incidences of dumped rubbish can increase, witnesses coming forwards with information leading to prosecutions, can expect an enviro-crime reward of up to £500. Information can be given in confidence by visiting www.bromley.gov.uk/envirocrime.
Residents are also being reminded to report examples of dumped rubbish should they come across it, with reports able to be logged on the council’s website www.bromley.gov.uk/report, helping ensure the dumped rubbish is removed as quickly as possible.
Whilst latest government statistics show Bromley actually has a relatively low number of flytipping incidents when compared to elsewhere, nevertheless, it remains of concern, with a range of actions being taken. The 3575 total number of recorded fly tips in the latest national data available meant that the borough has the 7th lowest number of fly tips incidents compared to other London boroughs and the 3rd lowest when compared with population size.
Councillor Angela Page, Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Enforcement said, “Flytipping is not just unsightly and anti-social but can also be downright dangerous as well. Although statistically our borough is in a relatively good position compared to elsewhere, this menace needs to be continually tackled and we can all play our part. Please report it when you see it, come forwards as a witness if you do know something and be very careful how you dispose of your own waste, using only bonafide traders.”
Residents are also being reminded that they need to properly check the credentials of anyone being employed to remove unwanted items or waste from their home. Legally, any trader responsible for removing waste from a property needs to be a registered waste carrier and hold a valid waste carrier’s licence. Whilst a business can be fined up to £5000 for not registering, householders can also be prosecuted for using an unlicensed waste carrier.
Investigations show that often dumped rubbish has either come as a result of gardening work or as a result of building work, with the fly tips either caused by an unscrupulous trader or even by the householder.
Residents need to carefully check whether trades people they employ or use to check that they have a waste carriers licence. Residents are advised to ask to see the permit to check what kind of waste disposal or recovery the business is registered for. In addition, the register can be checked by going to the Environment Agency website or by calling 03708 506 506.
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For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs, on 020 8461 7670 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk.