Don’t let rogue traders dump your waste and land you with a fine

North East Lincolnshire Council is warning households to be on their guard following reports of known rogue traders operating in the area.

The Council is advising people not to take up offers for jobs such as clearing gardens and replacing driveways from traders knocking at the door.

They will often quote a low price for a job, but it can quickly escalate once they start working.

After finishing jobs such as cutting back trees or replacing a drive, they often take the waste away and dump it illegally.

Criminal gangs and rogue traders are known to fly-tip rubbish out of sight in places like ditches and other waterways. If watercourses are blocked, it can cause flooding. It also damages natural habitat and puts wildlife at risk.

Householders will be fined if their waste is found fly-tipped by someone else.

Cllr Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for Safer and Stronger Communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

“Our advice is simple, don’t do business on your doorstep.

“We are also concerned about rogue traders posting messages on social media offering to take waste away for a fee.

“They take your money but fly-tip the waste instead of disposing of it correctly. These people are organised criminals. This is illegal activity is harming legitimate waste carriers.

“If someone takes your waste away, you need to check their credentials. You can be fined £300 if your waste is dumped illegally.”

How to avoid a fine

North East Lincolnshire Council is part of the SCRAP campaign, part of a nationwide crackdown against fly-tipping.

SCRAP stands for:

Suspect ALL waste carriers – ask for ID if someone is taking away your waste

Check with the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 that they are licensed or check the register at https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers.

Refuse unexpected offers from people knocking at your door offering to take your waste away

Ask what will happen to your waste. If you are not sure, take a photo of the waste they are taking and take a photo or note the description of the person taking it and their vehicle registration.

Paperwork – get a full receipt