Cirencester, Glouc., UK: A resident employing a gardener or odd job man to prune trees or hedges this autumn, must make sure they are disposing of the waste responsibly, warns Cotswold District Council.
The Council is making residents aware of unwittingly contributing to the fly-tipping problem in the District.
Workman who remove rubbish of any kind from a domestic house or garden must have a Waste Carrier’s Licence to remove waste from the property.
If they don’t have a licence, they could well be planning to dump branches or hedge trimmings at a lay-by or down a farm track.
Fly-tippers can face fines of up to £50,000 and/or six months in jail and the Environment Agency can seize vehicles belonging to offenders.
Waste Manager Scott Williams said:
“Fly tipping is an environmental crime which costs the taxpayer a lot of money to clear up and we will do everything within our powers to stamp it out.
“We are urging residents to make sure that anyone taking rubbish away from their homes has a waste carrier’s licence, particularly at this time of year when many people are having trees and hedges cut back.
Further information
Traders seeking advice about applying for a waste carrier’s licence should contact the Environment Agency at enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk or by calling 08708 506506.