You could end up in court if a rogue rubbish collector flytips your waste
People who turn to social media sites for tip runs are warned that they could end up in court.
The campaign, Not In Newark And Sherwood, was launched by the district council in September to take an uncompromising approach to fly-tipping offenders.
There are nearly four incidents a day in the district.
Rogue rubbish collectors are actively advertising their services on social media sites by posing as legitimate waste removal services but often just dump their collections on other people’s land.
A builder in Newark who used Facebook to search for a waste removal service has been fined for failing to use a licensed waste carrier, after wood, building materials and bags of rubbish were discarded on the outskirts of Sherwood Pines.
The council took legal action after officers found addresses on paperwork among the rubbish that traced the debris back to the owner.
Jay Boby, 27, was fined £250 reduced to £167 for an early guilty plea, with £180 legal costs, totalling £347 to be paid in 14 days.
A second defendant, Corey Batterham, has also been identified by the district council but failed to attend court. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
“Fly-tipping is a serious offence which not only results in a considerable cost to the public purse to clear up but is also harmful to the community and the environment,” said Andrew Kirk, the council’s business manager for waste management
“This should serve as a warning to other residents that we will thoroughly investigate incidents of fly-tipping and pursue offenders through the courts.
“It also highlights the consequences of using man-with-a-van type services that pose as legitimate waste carriers on social media.”
As part of Not In Newark And Sherwood, the council has pledged to challenge local social media sites, particularly those that actively promote illegal tip run requests and services.
A stop-and-check day, in conjunction with the police, is scheduled when vehicles carrying waste without the necessary trading paperwork will be targeted and appropriate action taken.
In 2018-19, the council removed 1,438 fly-tips with a combined weight of 361.89 tonnes. Between April and November this year, 639 fly-tips had been removed with a total weight of 169.59 tonnes.
The council advises people to always check for a valid waste carrier’s licence, which can be done on the Environment Agency website.
If someone offers to remove waste the householder must make sure they have the appropriate licences to remove it so it will be disposed of responsibly.
