Residents warned against lockdown fly tipping in South Kesteven

South Kesteven District Council is calling on householders and businesses to do their bit to help prevent fly-tipping by ensuring they use only licensed waste carriers.

While reports of fly-tipping have fallen slightly in South Kesteven since the Coronavirus lockdown, the council says there is no room for complacency. There were 92 incidents reported in February, 97 in March, and 86 in April.

Two days ago an incident of fly tipping on Church Lane in Welby was reported to the district council by Welby parish council.

A significant amount of debris had been deposited on the right hand side verge going out of the village in one of the green gate entrances.

It appeared to have been dumped overnight.

SKDC waste department and Streetcare Services were giong to deal with it.

If anyone has any information on vehicles or suspicious activity which you think may be related to this incident then contact Jen Fisher at the parish council on mail: [email protected] or call 07901 684810.

The SKDC Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations, Coun Dr Peter Moseley, said: “These are difficult times and I am very aware of all the challenges people are facing during the lockdown.

“However, these measures are in place to protect public health and save lives and should not be seen as an excuse to fly-tip, which as well as being illegal, is disrespectful of others and a blight on our environment.”

While the majority of people are minimising their waste production and disposing of it correctly, householders are reminded that they have a legal duty of care to check that anyone they use to remove rubbish from their home is a licensed waste carrier.

Residents should ask to see the licence and ideally take a photograph of it. They can also check licence details on the Environment Agency website at environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers

“There may be unscrupulous operators, particularly in the current circumstances, looking to take advantage of lockdown restrictions and catch people off their guard,” said Coun Dr Moseley.

“Social media is often used to advertise rubbish collection for cash. Unless residents have seen the advertiser’s waste carriers licence issued by the Environment Agency, and are satisfied how their waste will be disposed of, they should not use these services as there is a chance their rubbish will be fly-tipped.”

SKDC clean-up teams are continuing to operate and will remove fly-tipping from public land following investigation. Incidents should be reported on 01476 406080 or on the Report It page at www.southkesteven.gov.uk

Lincolnshire County Council Household Waste Recycling Centres have reopened. Visits must be pre-booked at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/clickandtip or by calling 01522 782070 where information is available on the type of waste that can be disposed of. SKDC will also collect bulky waste items. Go to www.southkesteven.gov.uk for details.