More people fined for fly-tipping by new enforcement officers

Another four people have been given on-the-spot fines of £400 by enforcement officers using new powers.

The council recently introduced Fixed Penalty Notices for the illegal dumping of waste as an alternative to the often lengthy and costly process of taking offenders to court.

The first four fines were handed out last month, and another four – three for fly-tipping and one for littering – have now been issued for the following incidents:

* General waste on Ferngrove, Bury

* General waste on Richard Burch Street, Bury

* Electrical goods on Albion Street, Radcliffe, Bury

* General waste in Spring Lane, Radcliffe

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations, said: “Fly-tipping is a criminal offence; it’s disgusting and there is no excuse for it. It also costs taxpayers money to have it cleared up, money which could and should be spent on other essential services.

“Our two new enforcement officers are already taking action against those who despoil our neighbourhoods, and will continue to do so with the support of local people who witness and report fly-tipping.”

Cllr Quinn urged people to check waste removal companies’ credentials and not use unlicensed operators.

“Remember – if fly-tipped waste can be traced back to its owner, the owner can be fined even if they had acted in good faith and were not aware the waste was going to be fly-tipped.”

Residents should ask any waste carrier for their address and telephone number, their waste carrier licence, and ask where their waste will be taken to. You can carry out an instant (and free) check of their credentials via the Environment Agency: https://environment.data.gov.uk/publicregister/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers

There are 21 recycling centres in Greater Manchester where residents can take their waste free of charge for disposal. Details: https://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=10838

ENDS

Press release issued: 1 September 2021.