Tracking down the dumpers
As new regulations come into force to deter illegal fly tipping, Wealden District Council will be using the latest digital technology to track down dumpers.
The Council has a new 30 gigabite hard disc camcorder which has been purchased by the Safer Wealden Partnership to help crack down on antisocial behaviour which can blight the Wealden countryside.
The digital camcorder can be mounted on the Council’s unmarked vehicles and is capable of taking 14 hours of video or over 9,000 detailed stills.
“We are serious about stopping fly tipping which can create such an eyesore whether it is in our towns and villages or the open countryside,” said Councillor Pam Doodes, Cabinet Member for Health & Public Safety.
Fly tipping can be caused by builders, landscape gardeners and other businesses who cut corners by not using the proper waste disposal outlets.
As the Council plays its part in catching fly tippers, new waste regulations that came into force on November 21 mean householders now have a greater responsibility to ensure their rubbish is not taken away and dumped by unscrupulous traders.
The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 puts a duty of care on all households to ensure that any traders they use to carry out work for them, are properly registered to carry waste. If they have any doubts, they should ask to see the company’s waste carrier registration or ring the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 for an instant Waste Carrier Validation Check.
“Just by asking if the business has waste carrier registration, you will be making it more difficult for the anti-social waste cowboys and helping to create a Greener, Cleaner Brighter Wealden,” said Councillor Mrs Doodes. “We are very grateful for the support of the Safer Wealden Partnership who understand how such wanton neglect of the environment damages the community.”
Householders can be fined if rubbish found dumped illegally is traced back to their homes or premises.
Wealden District Council has issued 36 fixed penalty notices so far this year in cases where they have caught illegal fly tippers in action. The increased use of photographic evidence will help bring even more illegal fly tippers to book.
Note to Editors:
The new Duty of Care forms part of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. For more information please visit the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs web site
The members of the Safer Wealden Partnership include the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Sussex Downs & Weald Primary Care Trust, Sussex Police Authority, Sussex Police, Wealden District Council, the Youth Offending Team and East Sussex County Council. The Partnership has two key themes: reducing the fear of crime and dealing with anti-social behaviour.
