Rogue commercial operator suspected of fly-tipping asbestos in Newark and Sherwood

A ROGUE commercial operator is suspected of being responsible for an increase in the number of fly-tipped asbestos in Newark and Sherwood.

The cost of dealing with the problem has doubled year-on-year, as has the number of cases, figures from Newark and Sherwood District Council reveal.

The material poses health dangers and disposal must be carried out by specialist contractors who can only operate with a license.

In 2017-18 there were 21 cases of fly-tipped asbestos in Newark Sherwood, which cost £6,680 to remove. For 2018-19 there have been 35 and the cost so far has been £12,951 with more than three months remaining in the financial year.

The increase is due to the number and the size of the fly-tips.

Householders who have had asbestos removed from their homes recently are being asked to get in touch with the council’s waste management team to check if it has been disposed of correctly.

The costs and dangers of fly-tipping, particularly asbestos, have been highlighted by the council, which is currently running its Cleaner, Safer And Greener campaign.

Council deputy leader Keith Girling said: “Any fly-tipped waste is of serious concern, but asbestos poses specific health risks when it is not disposed of responsibly.

“The fact that it has been dumped in this manner suggests that it has not been removed safely, which could put people at risk.

“To the waste cowboys who are doing this, we would simply ask say: ‘Your mindless irresponsibility is putting people’s lives at risk and we will do all we can to catch you and ensure your illegal acts will be dealt with by the full weight of the law. Would you want to put your child or family in danger?’”

Asbestos is generally safe until it is disturbed.

This applies to the more commonly found materials that usually have a low content of asbestos significantly bound into the product. This is unlikely to release fibres especially if kept whole and is not handled or disturbed.

However, some of the higher risk more fibrous materials can readily release asbestos fibres, especially if the material is dry.

Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses, including malignant lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

The majority of the current fatal cases from asbestos exposure, which stands at approximately 4.000 deaths per year in the UK, are associated with very high exposures from past-industrial processes and installation of asbestos products.

Anyone finding fly-tipped asbestos must not touch it but contact the council, which will arrange for its removal and carry out an investigation.

Witnesses to fly-tipping are advised to make a note of any vehicle registrations or other relevant information and be prepared to make a written statement.

Anyone who has had work done on their property, or has paid someone to take waste away, must make sure they are registered with the Environment Agency.

If waste is dumped illegally, the owner can be fined up to £50,000 and/or receive a prison sentence of up to five years.

For more on the disposal of asbestos, contact Nottinghamshire County Council Customer Service Centre on 0300 500 80 80 or e-mail customer service.centre@nottscc.gov.uk

Information on the hazards associated with asbestos and its safe handling can be found on the HSE website http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/