Newark and Sherwood District Council investigates 15 fridges dumped off Cork Lane

Fly-tippers responsible for the illegal dumping of 15 fridges in open countryside are today being investigated.

Newark and Sherwood District Council has warned those responsible for off-loading the appliances off Corkhill Lane, west of Normanton, near Southwell, they will press for the stiffest possible punishment if the case is brought to court.

The council is appealing for witnesses to what happened, or anyone who recognises the items, to get in touch.

They are believed to have been fly-tipped on Monday night.

Householders are also been warned they could be prosecuted if they fail to check a waste disposal operative has a license to deal with waste.

The council, through its Cleaner, Safer and Greener campaign, is cracking down on the problems of fly-tipping and litter and is using all means of enforcement to punish those responsible for environmental crime.

Keith Girling , district council deputy leader, said: “The 15 fridges are likely to have been picked up from 15 different households by someone collecting scrap.

"The scrap collector removes the motor and metal bits that they can sell for profit, and then they fly-tip the fridge rather than dispose of it appropriately.

"Dumping 15 fridges is not a small scale operation so if anyone has witnessed anything connected with this we would urge them to come forward so that we can trace the vehicle owner.

“By law, all electrical waste has to be recycled and if householders leave out fridges/freezers for the scrapman it is almost guaranteed that they will be fly-tipped.

"Fly-tipping is not only unsightly but it is a crime and costs the council time and money to clear up.

"In total, this sort of crime costs the council in the region of £55,000 a year to deal with.

“It is very important householders only give their waste items to licensed individuals who will deal the waste correctly by taking them to a licensed facility.

"If we are able to trace the owner of the fridge we can prosecute the householder along with the person who fly-tipped the waste."

In terms of fridges/freezers and other electrical appliances, when purchasing a new item the company, by law (WEEE Regulations) has to provide a way for the owner to dispose of an old item.

This applies whether buying the item online or in-store.

Anyone not replacing an an old appliance, can take it to one of the county’s recycling centres.

Or, if they are unable to transport it themselves, the district council offer a collection service for electrical waste for a charge of £14, details of which are available on its website.

The council said households can help combat the problem by making sure they only pass waste to a registered carrier or broker.

The council said reputable companies will provide their registration details and a receipt or transfer note to prove waste has been passed to them.

Details of a company's registration can be checked with the Environment Agency at https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers or by calling 03708 506 506

Those who do not make those checks, and their waste is later found dumped elsewhere, could find themselves responsible and be fined or prosecuted.

Anyone who witnesses someone fly-tipping is asked to leave the evidence where it is and report it to the council at www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/transactions/report/

Alternatively, call 01636 650000 as soon as possible.

Make a note of any vehicle registrations and any other identifying evidence.