Dumped rubbish in ditches is increasing the risk of flooding and also threatening wildlife, warns North East Lincolnshire Council and its regeneration partner ENGIE.
People dumping garden waste, tree cuttings, tyres and other rubbish in ditches or other waterways are blocking the flow of water and putting others at risk of flooding.
Watercourses are there to move and store water. If they are blocked, the water cannot flow freely. This can erode the banks and cause flooding. It also damages natural habitat and puts wildlife at risk.
Some householders are known to be throwing garden waste over their fences and into ditches behind or near their homes. This activity could backfire on them if the blockages cause the banks of the ditch to erode and collapse.
In other cases, criminal gangs and rogue traders are known to fly-tip rubbish out of sight in ditches and other waterways.
If you are paying someone to take waste away on your behalf, check their details. You face an unlimited fine or prosecution in the courts if your waste is fly-tipped by someone else.
Cllr Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said:
“Fly-tipping is a crime and dumped green waste is not as you might think a victimless crime. If you see anyone dumping waste illegally report it at www.nelincs.gov.uk/flytipping.
“Dumping rubbish illegally in ditches causes problems such as flooding and damage to the environment.
“We know rogue traders are advertising on social media sites such as Facebook to dispose of your waste for a small fee.
“These people are not legitimate waste carriers and are acting illegally if they take your waste away.
“Please help look after our local environment and make sure your waste is disposed of lawfully.”
Disposing of waste
We all have a legal obligation, or Duty of Care, to make sure our household or business waste is disposed of correctly.
The best way to stop organised fly-tipping is to make sure that only legitimate waste carriers take your waste away.
You can find licensed waste carriers in your neighbourhood by calling the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 or visiting: environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers.
People can dispose of most types of waste from the home or garden at the tips in Grimsby and Immingham. Visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/tip for details.
North East Lincolnshire Council offers bulky waste collections for larger items. Book online at www.nelincs.gov.uk/BulkyWaste.
The Council also collects garden waste. Find out more at www.nelincs.gov.uk/GardenWaste.
Watercourses
If you have watercourses on or near your property, visit www.gov.uk/guidance/owning-a-watercourse to find out more about your responsibilities.
SCRAP campaign
North East Lincolnshire Council supports the SCRAP campaign, a nationwide crackdown against fly-tipping.
The campaign reminds people to check their waste is being taken away for disposal by a licensed carrier – either by asking to see a Waste Carriers Licence or by looking up the company on the Environment Agency website.
SCRAP stands for:
Suspect ALL waste carriers
Check with the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 that the provider taking your waste away is licensed
Refuse unexpected offers to have waste taken away
Ask what will happen to your waste
Paperwork should be obtained – get a full receipt
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