Colchester City Council has issued a stark, 'no nonsense' warning to residents: fly-tippers will be caught and slapped with a hefty £400 fine. The hardline campaign aims to clamp down on the illegal dumping of waste that blights communities across the borough.
The council's message is clear and uncompromising. A spokesperson stated, "We will not tolerate fly-tipping in our city. It is a criminal offence that spoils our environment and costs us all money. If you fly-tip, we will investigate and if we find you, we will fine you."
The Stakes for Offenders
The consequences for those caught are severe. The council has emphasised its zero-tolerance policy, which includes:
- Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) of £400 for anyone caught illegally dumping waste.
- Investigation and prosecution for more serious offences, which can lead to unlimited fines and even a prison sentence.
- No exceptions as the council vows to pursue all leads and evidence.
Your Duty of Care with Waste
The campaign underscores a critical point often overlooked by residents: you have a legal 'duty of care' for your own waste. This means if you hire someone to take your rubbish away, you must ensure they are a licensed waste carrier. If your waste is later found dumped illegally, you could be held responsible and face the fine.
The council advised, "Always ask for a waste carrier’s licence and get a receipt. If you don’t, and your waste ends up fly-tipped, you will be liable for a £400 fine. It’s not worth the risk."
Proper Disposal Alternatives
Instead of risking a fine, the council urges residents to use the numerous legal and often free disposal methods available:
- Book a slot at a local Colchester recycling centre.
- Use the council's own bulky waste collection service for larger items.
- Check the council’s website for information on regular bin collections and what can be recycled.
This robust approach marks a significant step in Colchester's fight to keep its streets and green spaces clean, safe, and free from the eyesore and environmental hazard of fly-tipped waste.
