West Lindsey residents are being urged to check that anyone they hire to remove unwanted rubbish is properly registered or risk a £600 fine if their waste is later found to have illegally dumped.

As part of Fly Tipping Fortnight, taking place from October 12, to 25, West Lindsey District Council is raising awareness of residents’ legal Duty of Care when arranging for waste to be removed from their own property.

Whether disposing of old furniture, DIY materials, garden waste or other unwanted items, residents are responsible for ensuring the person or company taking the waste away is authorised to do so. If waste is later discovered dumped illegally, the householder could face enforcement action, even if they did not carry out the fly-tipping themselves.

Under Section 34(2A) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, residents who fail to meet their Duty of Care can receive a fixed penalty notice of £600.

Residents risk a £600 fine if their waste is found to have been illegally dumped

placeholder image — Residents risk a £600 fine if their waste is found to have been illegally dumped

West Lindsey District Council is encouraging residents to carry out a few simple checks before handing over their waste.

Before handing over waste, residents are advised to check that the person or company is on the Environment Agency’s public register or call 0300 065 3000; ask for a receipt or waste transfer note; keep a record of names, contact details and vehicle registration numbers; be wary of very cheap offers or traders unwilling to provide details and consider using the council's bulky waste collection service if unsure.

Coun Peter Morris, chair of West Lindsey District Council’s Thriving Places Committee, said: “Fly-tipping is not a victim-less crime. It damages the environment and costs public money to clear up.

“Many residents are surprised to learn they could face a fine if their waste is fly-tipped by someone else. That’s where we’re encouraging everyone to check before they book a waste carrier. By using a registered waste carrier or the council’s bulky waste collection service, residents can be confident their waste is being disposed of legally and responsibly.”

Residents who discover fly-tipped waste are encouraged to report it through the council's website, providing as much information as possible, including the location, type of waste and details of any vehicles or individuals involved. The council also asks people not to disturb fly-tipped waste, as it may contain important evidence for an investigation.

Andy Gray, head of Environmental Services at West Lindsey District Council, said: “Fly-tipping blights our communities and causes significant damage to the environment. We take these offences seriously and will continue to investigate reports, issue fines and, where appropriate, prosecute offenders through the courts.

"We are committed to tracking down those who commit environmental crimes and protecting our communities and local environment.”

Fly-tipping can be reported online at www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/report-it and for more information about the council's bulky waste collection service visit www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/bulky-waste.