Wakefield Council steps up fly-tipping crackdown
Wakefield Council has issued a warning to fly-tippers as it steps up efforts to tackle illegal waste dumping across the district during Flytipping Fortnight - with enforcement action continuing throughout the year.
The council says 20 fixed penalty notices and eight cautions have already been issued since April, while a number of cases are awaiting court hearings for potential prosecutions.
Dozens of further investigations are also ongoing as enforcement officers work to identify those responsible for dumping waste illegally.
Coun Julian Carter, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, said Flytipping Fortnight was an opportunity to highlight the work being carried out by council teams.
“There is no excuse for leaving bags of rubbish or large items on side streets, highways, open land or on the pavement outside your home,” he said.
“We want to encourage pride in our district, and flytipping undermines that.
“Our cleansing teams do a fantastic job keeping our neighbourhoods clean. When waste is illegally dumped, they are taken away from other important work to clear it.
“Every clearance takes time and resources including staff, equipment and money.”
Wakefield Council’s enforcement officers investigate reports of fly-tipping and work to identify those responsible.
Depending on the circumstances, offenders can face fines, prosecution and vehicle seizure.
The council also works with police on joint operations targeting suspected waste offences.
Coun Rebecca Webster, Cabinet Member for Safer, Stronger Communities, said tackling fly-tipping remained a priority.
“Flytipping is unacceptable, and we are committed to taking action against those responsible,” she said.
“We will continue to work with our partners to target hotspots and hold offenders to account.
“Together we can reduce flytipping in our district and protect our communities. Making it a place people are proud to live in.”
The council is also reminding residents that everyone has a role to play in keeping communities clean and safe.
Residents are encouraged to:
Take waste to a Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC).
Use the council’s bulky waste collection service for unwanted large items.
Hire a skip when appropriate.
Use a registered waste collector when paying someone to remove rubbish.
Use designated bring sites to dispose of waste. If a container is full, residents should use another site rather than leaving rubbish beside the containers.
Report fly-tipping to Wakefield Council or by calling 0345 8506506.