Flytippers warned of £50,000 fine amid increase in illegal dumping of waste in High Peak

Household recycling centres are currently closed nationwide during the Covid-19 lockdown - tempting people to leave unwanted items in quiet, rural areas.

However Councillor Jean Todd, High Peak Borough Council’s member for the environment, told how the antisocial practice was putting ‘huge additional strain’ on its teams.

She said: “We know people may be using this period of being at home to get some jobs done around the house and garden – it is really important that any extra waste this creates is disposed of properly.

“That means keeping any additional waste to minimum and then either storing it until the tips re-open or if that’s not possible - using only registered waste disposal carriers.”

Anyone charging to remove waste must have a licence to do so.

Residents should only use registered waste carriers to dispose of anything that can’t go in bins or be stored.

Registered carriers will dispose of waste legally and will be able to produce a copy of their licence which can then be checked on the Environment Agency’s website.

Coun Todd said: “Our collection crews are working extremely hard to maintain essential collection services during this challenging period for all of us and we’ve been heartened by the many, many messages of thanks and goodwill they’ve received.

“You can help show your appreciation in practical ways as well by managing the amount of waste you generate at this time and getting rid of it responsibly.

“I know that the vast majority of you are doing this and I’d like to thank you for helping us.

“I’d also like to pass on my thanks to the crews who are continuing to operate a full collection service – a vital service which every household in the borough relies on.”

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