Homeowners are being reminded that they must take responsibility for waste from their house – even if they pay someone else to deal with it.
Under The Environmental Protection Act 1990, if waste is found dumped it is the person who it originally belonged to who is held legally responsible for it. They could face prosecution and a maximum fine of £5,000.
Anyone paying a carrier to dispose of their waste is advised to check that they are registered with the Environment Agency as a registered waste carrier and ask to see their registered waste carrier’s certificate. It is also a good idea to ask where the waste will be taken for disposal.
If they are unable to answer these questions or produce the correct documents another waste carrier should be used.
Rob Parkinson, streetscene environmental enforcement officer, said “People often have no idea that they are breaking the law until they are caught up in a prosecution case, please don’t let this happen to you.
“Please remember, you have a responsibility to ensure your waste cannot escape from your control and that it is going to be disposed of in a correct manner. If your waste is discovered fly-tipped, you could be held responsible and fined.”
The threat of prosecution and fine is not limited to home owners who use unregistered waste carriers. It also applies to those whose waste is disposed of by other tradesmen including builders, gardeners and roofing contractors.
Homeowners are also advised to make a note of the vehicle registration number of the vehicle used to remove the waste, any contact details for the individuals, and a description of them, which may be useful if they do dispose of the waste illegally.
The Environment Agency can be contacted on 08708 506 506 for a waste carrier validation check.
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