Fears that fly-tippers are posing as waste disposal businesses during pandemic

There are fears that fly-tippers are posing as legitimate waste disposal businesses on social media during the temporary closure of waste and recycling centres due to the coronavirus pandemic.

These individuals often use social media and low prices to dupe people into believing they are legitimate rubbish collection services, the Welsh Government said.

In reality, the collected waste is later fly-tipped in fields, along country lines and on the roadside.

The government are relaunching their ani-flytipping Duty of Care campaign today, reminding householders that they must always use registered waste carriers to remove rubbish.

With over 70% of fly-tipping incidents in Wales containing household rubbish, The campaign, in partnership with Fly Tipping Action Wales, calls on people to take responsibility for their excess rubbish.

The Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn said people should be aware of potential scammers and adverts promoting cheap waste collection services.

“Local Authorities are working hard on this issue and I don’t want to see any households duped or potentially fined as a result of trusting these unscrupulous collectors to dispose of their waste legally,” she said.

 

‘Damage’

The Welsh Government campaign urges everyone to use their duty of care and ensure all waste is disposed of legally by a registered waste carrier and to report any fly-tipping to their local authority. A list of registered waste carriers can be found on the Natural Resources Wales Website.

Other recommendations include asking waste collectors where their rubbish is going, requesting a receipt and to record details of the vehicle involved. These small steps will not only protect households from fines and prosecution but will help to combat fly-tipping in the long run.

As recycling centres across Wales reopen the Welsh Government urges people to check with their local authority to find out what restrictions or booking systems are in place alongside information on what items are being collected.

Fly-tipping Action Wales Programme Manager, Neil Harrison, said fly-tipping is a criminal offence placed more pressure on already stretched resources and staff during a national emergency.

“Fly-tipping causes considerable damage to the environment, the economy and local communities — those caught fly-tipping can receive fines of up to £50,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment,” he said.

A list of registered waste carriers can be found on the Natural Resources Wales website.