Local authorities are saying enough is enough, by joining hands and launching a county-wide campaign called SCRAP to address the issue of fly–tipping.
More than 11,000 incidents of fly-tipping were recorded across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in the last year alone.
RECAP, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Waste Partnership, has launched the campaign this month to help fight the costly battle against fly-tipping in the county.
The campaign, which was initially developed by the Hertfordshire Waste Partnership, advises people to make sure that their waste is being taken away by a registered waste carrier, to a suitably licenced disposal site. This can be done by asking to see a Waste Carrier’s Licence, and checking the company on the Environment Agency website before using them and obtaining a waste transfer note and invoice.
Anyone found to be involved in fly-tipping faces a hefty fixed-penalty notice of up to £400, or an unlimited fine. By following the simple SCRAP code these fines can be avoided:
- Suspect ALL waste carriers
- Check with the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 or on their website 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
Councillor Mathew Shuter, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Highways and Infrastructure Committee, said: “Fly-tipping is illegal, it affects our environment and poses risks to humans, livestock and wildlife. It’s becoming a big problem and it’s tarnishing our beautiful county.
“Through this campaign we are highlighting the simple steps everyone needs to take when it comes to disposing of household or business waste.“With two thirds of fly-tipping coming from households, I urge residents to check what their local waste disposal options are - by visiting Household Recycling Centres with their household waste, looking into official bulky collection services and using skip hire services which are widely available.
“By working together we can help ‘SCRAP’ fly-tipping in Cambridgeshire.”
RECAP Partnership Manager, Bryony Rothwell said: “Partners across Cambridgeshire and Peterboroughare taking action to deal with the causes of fly-tipping. We have been working towards strengthening ourlinks across the districts and county borders to support them in the war against fly-tipping across the eastern region.
“The award-winning SCRAP campaign is a great tool which is already effectively used in several neighbouring counties, and we are hoping it will help to make a positive difference in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough."
“This campaign offers practical and helpful advice on how people can dispose of their unwanted items. We would like to encourage members of the public to contact their local council to report fly-tipping or if they have any concerns about the issue in their area.”
A number of activities will take place across the county over the coming months - kick starting with the first events held by South Cambridgeshire and East Cambridgeshire Districts Council at the end of July. For more information about fly-tipping and legal ways to get rid of unwanted items, please visit our dedicated fly-tipping page.
Follow RECAP on Twitter @RecapRecycles and Facebook @YesYouCanRecycle.
