48 people fined since March as Bedford Borough Council tackles fly-tipping

Bedford Borough Council has issued fines to 48 people for fly-tipping since lockdown began in March.

Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of rubbish, it is dangerous, unsightly and the council is ensuring that those responsible are fined.

The 48 individuals were fined £300 either for fly-tipping themselves, or for giving their waste to rogue traders who then dumped it, with a total of £14,400 in fines given.

It is estimated that two-thirds of fly-tipping is household waste, much of which is fly-tipped is because a householder allowed an unauthorised person to take it away, rather than the owner of the waste fly-tipping it themselves.

When disposing of waste, individuals must be sure to use a licensed waste carrier- this can be checked on the Environment Agency website- and get a receipt.

Cllr Charles Royden, portfolio holder for environment, said: “Fly-tipping is a real blight on local green spaces and communities.

"If you have items you want to get rid of, make sure you are using a licensed waste trader, organise for a bulky waste collection by the council or, if you are able to, take it to the Household Waste Recycling Centre.

“We don’t just clear fly-tipped rubbish from public land, we will always investigate fly-tipping to try to find the offender.

"Dumping rubbish is a serious offence which can lead to those responsible receiving heavy fines and even a prison sentence.

“The HWRC reopened in May, with an appointment system in place to ensure that people can visit safely.

"It is quick and easy to book an appointment online at www.bedford.gov.uk/hwrc.”

To report a fly-tip visit www.bedford.gov.uk, search ‘fly-tipping’ and fill out the online form.