S.C.R.A.P. Fly-tipping campaign launched 

The campaign is aimed at residents and businesses whose waste is sometimes fly tipped by unlicensed operators. It also raises awareness of the issue of fly-tipping and how to report it, leading to more reports helping to find those responsible.

Between April 2020 to March 2021, there were 911 incidents of fly-tipping reported to the Borough Council, costing around £45,000 to clear up.  

As part of the campaign, the Borough Council is urging residents to follow an easy set of rules that can prevent fly-tipping

Residents are advised to follow the S.C.R.A.P code when in contact with any waste carrier:

• Suspect all waste carriers until they have provided their licence
• Check their licence details on the public register for waste carriers
• Refuse unexpected offers to take your waste away
• Ask how your rubbish will be disposed of
• Paperwork – get an invoice or receipt for the waste they’re taking, including their contact details

It is important that residents always check waste carriers’ licences and report existing incidents of fly tipping – they could be held responsible if their waste is fly tipped. Checks can be made via the Environment Agency (environment.data.gov.uk)

Fly-tipping often occurs when rogue waste carriers illegally dump the waste that they collect to avoid proper disposal fees and maximise their profits, unfairly undercutting legitimate businesses. Anyone who fly tips could face prosecution and an unlimited fine.

Executive Member for Clean Neighbourhoods at the Borough Council, Councillor Bill Crooks, said:

Fly-tipping and other types of waste crime are a blight on our neighbourhoods, communities and environment. If you produce waste at home or from a business, you have a responsibility to ensure it is disposed of legally and safely.  This means making sure anyone who is handling your waste is licensed to do so. It is vital that you take steps to check that your rubbish will be disposed of correctly and that you are confident you know where it will end up otherwise you run the risk of a fine or even legal action.

Find out more about fly-tipping and how to report a fly-tip

• Find your local waste and recycling centre (leicestershire.gov.uk) run by Leicestershire County Council