PR 272

For Immediate Release

23 October 2006

Great Yarmouth Borough Council is warning residents that cowboy operators are charging them to take rubbish away and then fly-tipping it - which could see the householder in court facing a fine of up to £5,000.

The Council’s Environmental Health team has been investigating vanloads of rubbish which have been dumped on rural roads around the Rollesby, Somerton and Caister area.

Detective work by the Environmental Rangers has identified several of the properties the rubbish came from, and the Rangers have spoken to the owners.

It appears that two men in a white Transit van have been offering to remove rubbish for a few pounds or to carry out full garden or house clearances.

But instead of taking the waste and disposing of it legally they are dumping it.

“We are currently trying to trace the van,” said Head of Environment and Health, John Hemsworth. “These people are dumping waste illegally which means that the Council has to clear it up.

“But, for the householder who has hired these men it could lead to a court appearance.

“What residents may not be aware of is that since last year, legislation stipulates that householders have a duty to ensure that anyone taking waste from their homes is properly licensed to carry out this work.

“If, as in this case, they are cowboys - unfortunately for their customers it could be the householders ending up with a summons and facing a fine of up to £5,000.”

To help householders avoid falling prey to unlicensed operators the Council offers the following advice:

• Check if the person removing the waste is registered and ask to see their waste carrier licence

• If they claim they are licensed but they cannot produce the document or only have their licence number, call the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 and request an instant Waste Carrier Validation Check or check online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/publicregister

• If possible, keep a record of the details of the company and the registration plate of the vehicle used to remove the waste. If your rubbish is then illegally disposed of this information can be passed to the Council for further investigation, and

• If the individuals cannot produce a licence, are not registered or if you have any doubts or concerns about the service offered please pass the details onto the Council on 01493 846478 or the Environment Agency on 08708 506506.

“We really would appreciate help catching these individuals,” added John. “If they do come to your door please give us a call, we would much rather catch them than prosecute householders.”

For further information contact Head of Environment and Health John Hemsworth on 01493 846458.

Issued by:
Liz Dann
Press Officer
Great Yarmouth Borough Council
01493 846513