Residents urged to follow ‘SCRAP’ code to help tackle fly-tipping

Workers clearing fly-tipped waste in a lane near Trefonen

Shropshire residents using a private waste carrier to dispose of their waste are being asked to follow the ‘SCRAP’ code to help tackle fly-tipping and protect the local environment.

Fly-tipping is the unauthorised dumping of solid or liquid waste on land or water. It can be anything from a single bag of waste to lorry loads of building waste. Fly tipping is a crime that carries serious penalties – the maximum being a five-year prison sentence and an unlimited fine.

If someone’s waste is fly-tipped, even by someone else on their behalf, they could still be issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Some recent examples of fly-tipping in Shropshire

Dan Morris, Cabinet member for highways, said:

“The money spent by Shropshire Council removing fly-tipping is money that could be used to support other services.  That’s why we’re working in close partnership with West Mercia Police, Defra,  the Environment Agency and other councils to tackle the issue of fly-tipping across our county.

“We need everyone to play their part and we are asking for everyone to be vigilant.  By following the SCRAP code –  and taking a united stance against individuals who believe they can unlawfully dump waste – we can all help contribute to the protection of our environment, improving local areas and communities.”

People should follow the SCRAP code to ensure their waste is correctly disposed of:

• Suspect all waste carriers; do not let them take your waste unless they can prove that they are legitimate. A legitimate waste carrier should be happy to answer reasonable questions.
• Check their waste carrier’s registration details. These can be verified by checking the Environment Agency website or by calling 03708 506 506. Make a note of the registration details of the vehicle used to remove your waste.
• Refuse unexpected offers to have any rubbish taken away. If you suspect that someone you have spoken to is disposing of waste illegally, report their name and vehicle registration to the Environment Agency.
• Ask what will happen to your rubbish and seek evidence that it will be disposed of appropriately.
• Paperwork should be obtained. Make sure you get a full receipt and waste transfer note for your waste removal. This should give a description of the waste and provide the waste carrier’s licence number and contact details.

To report an incident of fly-tipping, visit FixMyStreet mobile App: FixMyStreet (shropshire.gov.uk)

This will ensure that each enquiry is logged, acknowledged, and issued with a reference number. The enquiry will be allocated to the appropriate service area who will investigate the matter and action as required.