An expert binman has sounded the alarm about a little-known rule that could result in hefty fines and even imprisonment for those who unknowingly fall foul of fly-tipping regulations.
What You Need to Know
Many Brits may find themselves unwittingly dealing with fly-tipped waste on their own property, leading to potential legal consequences.
Waste expert John Wheeldon from Wheeldon Brothers highlighted the seriousness of the issue, emphasizing the responsibility landowners have in preventing and addressing illegal dumping.
Legal Consequences
Under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, landowners could face fines of up to £50,000 and jail time if waste is illegally disposed of on their property, even if they were not involved in the dumping.
Prevention Tips
To avoid falling victim to fly-tipping penalties, it's crucial to take proactive measures such as installing CCTV surveillance and securing access points to deter potential violators.
Additionally, ensuring that contractors properly dispose of waste at licensed facilities during property maintenance or renovation projects can help mitigate the risk of breaching fly-tipping laws.
Tackling the Issue
Experts like Wheeldon advocate for a combination of local and national efforts to combat fly-tipping, including initiatives to educate the public about waste disposal laws and enforcement actions.
Recent Cases
Recent incidents, such as a woman being fined for reporting fly-tipping and changes to bin collection services in some areas, underscore the importance of understanding and complying with waste management regulations.
