The council is supporting this year's Fight Fly-Tipping Fortnight, a national campaign led by Keep Britain Tidy, which runs from 12 to 25 October. This initiative serves as an opportunity to remind residents of crucial information to help maintain the tidiness of North Northamptonshire, complementing the council's ongoing year-round efforts.
During the fortnight, the council's Waste team will be visiting known fly-tipping hotspots, investigating recent cases where evidence has been recovered, and engaging in targeted work with businesses. Residents are reminded that they are responsible for ensuring their waste is disposed of by an authorised waste carrier. Failure to take reasonable steps to check the credentials of waste handlers could lead to enforcement action.
Key advice for residents includes asking for a waste carrier registration number, verifying authorisation on the Environment Agency’s public register, and keeping a receipt or written record of the waste collection.
The council encourages anyone who spots fly-tipping to report it immediately, providing details such as the date, time, exact location, vehicle registration, descriptions of individuals involved and the waste, and any photographic or video evidence if it is safe to do so. This information can be crucial in prosecuting those responsible for such incidents. Residents are advised not to approach or confront individuals seen fly-tipping.
“"Fly-tipping is a selfish act that spoils our neighbourhoods and costs a significant amount of money to clear up."
Cllr Chris McGiffen highlighted the importance of the campaign, stating, "Fight Fly-Tipping Fortnight is an important opportunity to remind everyone that we all have a role to play in tackling this issue - all year around. Before paying someone to take away your waste, make sure they are authorised to do so, keep a record of who collected it and ask for a receipt."
He added, "We also encourage residents to report fly-tipping and any suspicious activity they witness. Information provided by the residents can be invaluable in helping our teams investigate incidents and take action against those responsible."
“"When I am out about across North Northants, whether it be in our wonderful countryside or in our towns and villages, the sight of fly-tipped waste irritates me and I know residents feel the same. Fly-tipping costs each and every council taxpayer. We need your help to catch those who are responsible - please continue to work with us and report fly-tipping, but also do the necessary checks when using waste carriers."
Cllr Martin Griffiths emphasised the community's role, saying, "Fly-tipping costs each and every council taxpayer. We need your help to catch those who are responsible - please continue to work with us and report fly-tipping, but also do the necessary checks when using waste carriers."
Further information regarding waste management in North Northamptonshire is available on the council's website.
