Warning over fly tipping risk

A Luton resident was duped into paying a rogue trader to take away rubbish - only to find it was then fly tipped at a local park.
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The resident then had to pay a further £700 to clan up the rubbish after the trader could not be traced.

Now Luton Borough Council is warning residents to beware of people illegally collecting and disposing of waste across the town. The rogue traders usually charge a lower price than an authorised waste carrier and get rid of the waste by fly tipping it.

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The fly tipping was investigated by the Environmental Enforcement Unit at Luton Borough Council where the waste was linked back to a local resident who was mortified to find out it had been dumped.

He fully co-operated and paid over £700 in the removal, disposal and clean-up costs in addition to the amount he had originally paid to the rogue. Given the scale of the fly tip it was also deemed appropriate to issue the resident with a caution.

Cllr Tom Shaw, Portfolio Holder for the environment, said: “Luton residents are sick of the small minority of selfish people who are ruining the environment for the rest of us.

“One of our key priorities at the moment is attracting new business and investment into the town to create more jobs for local people. Seeing waste on the streets instantly puts businesses off relocating here and is why we can no longer put up with it.

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“This particular case also serves as a reminder for residents that if someone offers to get rid of waste for you, it is your responsibility to make sure that they are authorised to do it.”

To check if someone is an official waste carrier, visit: http://epr.environment-agency.gov.uk/ePRInternet/searchregisters.aspx

If you are arranging for a tradesman (e.g. builder, landscape gardener, carpet fitter) to carry out work on your property, you have a responsibility for the waste produced as a result of the work.

If the person who takes the waste from you is not authorised, or your waste is illegally disposed of, you could be prosecuted and fined if you have not taken all reasonable measures.