fly-tipping is a serious problem that blights our communities, creating environmental damage and significant clean-up costs.
In recent years, we’ve seen a 200% increase in reports of fly-tipping across Bolton.
Each week, we receive between 30 to 40 reports of fly-tipped waste, as well as requests to clean bin stores at our blocks and remove items left in communal spaces.
To help keep our communities clean, our dedicated three-person team makes more than 550 trips to local recycling centres each year to dispose of waste responsibly.
The cost of disposing of this waste runs into tens of thousands of pounds, money that could otherwise be reinvested into improving our estates and properties.
Waste is everyone's responsibility
Everyone has a legal duty of care to ensure their waste is disposed of correctly.
If your waste is fly-tipped, you could still be held responsible, even if someone else carried out the dumping. Penalties can include a £600 fixed penalty notice, an unlimited fine and, in serious cases, imprisonment.
Around 38% of fly-tipping incidents are linked to unlicensed ‘rogue traders’, who advertise low-cost removal services and then illegally dump the rubbish.
Before paying someone to remove your waste, always follow the S.C.R.A.P checks below:
- SUSPECT all waste carriers - don’t let them take your rubbish until they provide proof of registration. Note their vehicle’s registration plate.
- CHECK the waste carrier is registered on the Environment Agency’s public register or call 0300 065 3000.
- REFUSE any unexpected offers to have your rubbish taken away.
- ASK how your rubbish will be disposed of - seek evidence of this.
- PAPERWORK must be obtained - a proper invoice and waste transfer note or receipt, including a description of the waste being removed and the waste carrier’s contact details.
If someone refuses to provide this information, please don’t give them your rubbish.
The cost of getting it wrong
Our Enforcement Team investigates fly-tipping reports and works closely with Local Authorities to identify those responsible. Any waste that is recovered is examined for evidence that could lead to enforcement action.
In a recent local case, a large quantity of household rubbish including storage boxes, furniture, toys, and refuse bags, were dumped on land in Bolton.
Following an investigation, the waste was traced back to one of our customers. Although the tenant had paid a third party to remove the rubbish, they were unable to prove it had been disposed of legally by a licensed waste carrier.
The court imposed a one-day custodial sentence, along with £432 in costs and a £26 victim surcharge.
How you can help
There are some simple steps everyone can take to help keep our communities clean and free from illegal dumping:
- Recycle correctly: Burgundy bin for cans, foil, glass and plastic. Beige bin for cardboard, paper and junk mail.
- Keep communal spaces clear: Don't leave rubbish or unwanted items in corridors, landings, stairwells or other communal spaces.
- Use waste chutes properly: Put your general waste in a securely tied bin bag before placing in the chute. Please take care not to block the chute.
- Keep bin stores tidy: Place waste in the correct bins and help keep bin stores clean and accessible for everyone.
- Use registered waste carriers: Only use licensed waste carriers when arranging waste collections. *
Working together for cleaner communities
By following these simple steps, you can protect yourself from rogue traders, avoid potential fines and help keep our neighbourhoods clean, safe and pleasant places to live.
Together, we can all play our part in tackling fly-tipping and ensuring our communities remain places we can be proud of.
More information on fly-tipping and how to report it, you can go to About your bin collections, waste, and fly-tipping – Be One Homes