Fly-tipping will not be tolerated

Published: Thursday, 2nd July 2020

Since lockdown began, fly-tipping has increased nationally but Sevenoaks District Council’s environmental investigation team have continued to work throughout to bring fly-tippers to justice.

In June, two people were handed £400 fines each for fly-tipped waste that was traced back to them.

The first incident took place in Shoreham Lane near Badger’s Mount. The discarded waste had packaging with the address of a homeowner in Orpington. The team found evidence in the waste that led them to the property.

The second fly-tip was found in Dalton’s Road in Crockenhill and was traced back to another address Orpington. They had paid £30 to have their waste taken away but did not check if the carrier had a waste licence.

By law, homeowners must take reasonable steps to check that any person removing waste from their premises is authorised to do so. As both homeowners did not take these precautions, and their waste was dumped, fines were issued.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for ‘Cleaner and Greener’, Cllr Margot McArthur, says: “We are incredibly proud to have a fly-tipping investigation team who have been working harder than ever since the Coronavirus outbreak.

“We want people to know that fly-tipping will not be tolerated in our District and we will do everything possible to track down those responsible.

“Although it may be tempting to hire a cheap waste removal contractor, it is residents’ responsibility to check that the collector has a waste carrier’s license. Failing to do so could result in a fine if the rubbish is dumped.”

To check if a removal service has a license, call the Environment Agency on 08708 506 506 and ask for a free instant Waste Carrier Validation Check, alternatively check online at https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers

To report a case of fly-tipping, visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/flytipping or call 01732 227000.