Stroud District Council is supporting Fight Fly-Tipping Fortnight by reminding residents that they have a responsibility to ensure their waste is disposed of correctly when paying someone else to take it away.
Every year, thousands of tonnes of waste are illegally dumped by rogue operators offering cheap waste collection services, often through social media and online marketplaces. What appears to be a bargain can lead to rubbish being dumped on roadsides, in lay-bys or in the countryside, at a cost to local communities and taxpayers.
Residents are being urged to check that anyone removing their waste has a valid Waste Carrier Registration before handing over rubbish.
Damion Collins, Stroud District Council’s Community Safety Manager, said:
“Most people care about their local area and want to do the right thing. Fight Fly-Tipping Fortnight is about helping residents understand how small actions can make a big difference.
“If a bin is full, please don’t leave rubbish beside it. Take it home and let us know so we can arrange for it to be emptied. The same applies to charity shop donations. Always check that the charity can accept them before dropping them off.
“We’re also asking residents to be cautious when using private waste collectors. If someone offers to take away your rubbish, ask for their Waste Carrier Registration number and check it on the Environment Agency’s online register before handing over your waste.
“Your waste remains your responsibility, and a few simple checks can help prevent it ending up dumped elsewhere.”
The council is also encouraging residents to think twice before leaving waste where it doesn’t belong.
While fly-tipping is often associated with large-scale dumping of items such as sofas, mattresses and builders’ rubble, the council is also encouraging residents to think about other waste-related behaviours that cause mess, increase clean-up costs and affect local communities.
Leaving litter next to a full litter bin or dog waste bin might seem harmless, but it can quickly create unsightly hotspots, attract pests and increase clean-up costs. Whether it’s takeaway packaging or an empty pizza box, residents are being asked to either find an alternative bin or take waste home if a bin is full and to report the full bin through the council’s website so it can be emptied.
Litter bins should also never be used to provide additional domestic waste capacity. Bin bags presented alongside a litter bin are fly tipping too!
The council is also reminding people not to leave donations outside charity shops or recycling banks. Although well intentioned, items left outside can be damaged by the weather, create obstructions and often leave charities facing disposal costs.
For larger unwanted household items, residents can use the council’s bulky waste collection service. The service costs £25 for up to three items, with additional items charged at £5 per item. Residents who receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support are eligible for a discounted rate of £5 for up to three items.
Damion added:
“Using a registered waste carrier or the council’s bulky waste collection service gives residents peace of mind that their waste will be disposed of responsibly. By working together, we can help keep the Stroud district clean, safe and welcoming for everyone.”
Residents can report fly-tipping, notify the council about full bins and arrange bulky waste collections through the council’s website: www.stroud.gov.uk