Sandwell Council’s Environmental Protection & Enforcement Teams are responding to a number of illegally dumped vehicles that contain vast amounts of household waste.
So far this month at least one abandoned van and one abandoned trailer both containing waste have been discovered.
Efforts are in place to remove the trailer from Providence Street and the van from Cokeland Place, both in Cradley Heath, from the highway and the council is liaising closely with the Environment Agency on these particular cases.
Cokeland Place
The waste pictured in these images is typical household waste that has been collected by disreputable businesses and dumped illegally on Sandwell’s streets. We’re asking people to always be wary of door-to-door offers to take waste away, or of informal quotes on social media. Offers may be genuine, but if an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is. For instance, £50 would not cover the cost of disposing of a large van of waste legally.
Always be cautious, as you are risking a large fine of £400 if your waste is fly-tipped.
Sandwell Council is again reminding residents and businesses that everyone has a legal duty of care to make sure all waste from their household or business is disposed of correctly. If it isn’t they can face prosecution with an unlimited fine if their waste is fly-tipped. Even if someone else has done it, the owner of the waste can be held responsible for the crime.
Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, Councillor Syeda Khatun, said:
“Dumping waste like this is not just illegal and unsightly, it is dangerous and costs the council and our residents money that could be better used supporting our most vulnerable communities. We are determined to stamp this kind of behaviour out and will work with in partnership to track down and punish the selfish criminals who do this.”
Under the householder’s duty of care, anyone paying someone to dispose of their waste must ensure they use a reputable business. Sandwell Council advises people to follow these three simple steps when arranging for their waste to be disposed.
Check their waste carrier’s licence number with the Environment Agency or call 03708 506 506
Ask for a receipt and where the rubbish is going.
Keep details of their business and vehicle used.
Sandwell Council provides a service for the collection of bulky waste that is too large for regular household waste and recycling collections.
Sandwell residents can also dispose of their waste for free at Sandwell’s Household Recycling Centre (The Tip) in Shidas Lane Oldbury. Visits must be pre-booked in advance.
Anyone who has any information fly-tipping offences should report it online. Fly-tipping can be reported online.