Another successful prosecution for fly tipping has prompted the council to remind householders of the need to dispose of waste properly or face prosecution where there is evidence of wrongdoing.
The warning follows a recent prosecution and investigation about a fly tipping incident which occurred in February 2023 where a considerable amount of household and garden waste was discovered, dumped in a country lane, up the bank at the roadside. The investigation into the reported fly tipping incident in Layhams Road, West Wickham led to the prosecution of Mr Emilio Gjoni of Waddon Park Avenue, Croydon. Mr Gjoni admitted the fly tipping offence and was fined a total of £703, including costs, at Bromley Magistrates Court.
Councillor Angela Page, Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Enforcement says “Where evidence exists, we will always take legal action against offenders, to make sure our borough is as clean and green as possible. Fly tipping in country lanes is particularly hazardous. No matter the reasons, there is no excuse for dumping waste illegally in the borough or anywhere. Not only does it ruin and pollute our incredible natural surroundings, but it can also be downright dangerous.”
When disposing of waste, residents and business are reminded to follow all the guidance and legislation, with waste able to be accepted at both the borough’s reuse and recycling centres. Residents are also reminded that the council operates a bulky waste collection service, where items will be collected for a charge, direct from the resident’s home, with details of this service on the council’s website. If using a private waste contract, residents are also reminded to make sure the waste disposal business is bona fide, by checking their details, to ensure they are a licensed waste carrier.
Residents can check waste carriers’ registration by visiting the Environment Agency website or by calling 03708 506 506.
The advice is to carry out the SCRAP code of preventing fly tipping when getting someone to dispose of your waste:
S – Be suspicious of all waste carriers; do not let them take your waste until they have proven themselves to be legitimate. A professional waste carrier should happily answer reasonable questions.
C – Check that your waste carrier is registered on the Environment Agency's website.
R – Refuse all unsolicited offers to remove your rubbish. If you think that someone will be disposing of waste illegally, report them to the Environment Agency.
A – Ask your trader where they intend on taking your rubbish and ask for evidence of appropriate disposal.
P – Request proper paperwork consisting of either an invoice, waste transfer note or receipt, which includes a list of the waste being removed and the waste carrier’s contact details.
Ends
Editors'notes:
- Mr Gjoni attended Court on Tuesday 2 May 2023 unrepresented and entered a plea of guilty to the S.33 charge of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
- He was fined £200 plus £80 surcharge and ordered to pay £423 in costs.
- For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs, on 020 8461 7670 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk.