Dumping Disaster: Cornwall Crackdown Leads to Fines for Local Householder and Business

Photo: Some of the household waste that was dumped in Launceston

In a stern warning to all residents and business owners, Cornwall Council has stepped up its enforcement against illegal rubbish disposal, issuing fines to those who fail to vet their waste carriers properly.

Recent Fines for Fly-Tipping

The council’s latest crackdown followed two incidents where waste was improperly disposed of, leading to fixed penalty notices being issued to both a local householder and a business. These incidents highlight the growing issue of fly-tipping in the region and the need for vigilance when disposing of waste.

In the first case, a householder from Bude faced a £200 fine after their building waste, removed by an unverified cold-caller, was found dumped in Launceston. The individual had been carrying out home renovations but failed to check the credentials of the person they hired to dispose of the waste, leading to legal repercussions.

The second case involved a Bodmin-based business, which was fined £300. The company had paid someone to remove commercial waste that was later discovered in a layby near Truro. Similar to the first case, the business did not obtain waste transfer notes nor record the details of the waste carrier.

Guidelines for Hiring Waste Removal Services

Cornwall Council has emphasised the importance of responsible waste removal. Businesses and residents must ensure that their waste is handled correctly to avoid penalties. Key steps include:

• asking a carrier what exactly is going to happen to your waste and seek evidence that it is going to be disposed of appropriately
• asking for details of their waste carrier registration
• checking if they are registered by searching the Environment Agency’s public register of waste carriers
• taking note of their registration number
• asking for a proper invoice (do not pay cash)
• never accepting unsolicited offers to have waste taken away
• businesses should have appropriate contracts in place for their commercial waste and retain waste transfer notes for any waste taken away

Legal Implications of Fly-Tipping

Illegal waste disposal is not only environmentally harmful but also a criminal offence that can attract severe penalties. Fly-tippers can be prosecuted and face unlimited fines or even imprisonment if found guilty. The Council has urged the public to report any instances of fly-tipping, providing digital evidence if possible, to help tackle this blight on the community.

Stay Vigilant

Cornwall Council’s recent actions serve as a reminder of the legal and ethical obligations concerning waste disposal. By following the recommended steps, residents and businesses can contribute to a cleaner, safer environment and avoid the costly penalties associated with negligence.

In response to these issues, residents and businesses are encouraged to thoroughly vet any waste removal service they employ and to report any suspicious activities related to waste disposal to the authorities. This not only helps in maintaining the cleanliness of the locality but also supports legal compliance and environmental protection efforts.