New warning over bogus waste firms fly-tipping rubbish in Horsham

There were more than 1,000 instances of illegal dumping of rubbish in the Horsham area over the past year and clearing it up cost local taxpayers more than £75,000. Now Horsham District Council is clamping down on such carriers and warning householders that they are personally responsible if a waste carrier does not have an official licence and ends up fly-tipping their rubbish.

A social media campaign, spearheaded by the council’s cabinet member for the environment Philip Circus, has been developed in response to the growing problem.

“Fly-tipping is a blight on our communities and costs the council taxpayer significant amounts of money to clear-up and investigate,” said Councillor Circus.

“We’re working hard to catch fly-tippers. But everyone has a responsibility to check that anyone disposing of their waste will behave responsibly. So people need to find out if they are dealing with somebody who has a Waste Carrier Licence or they themselves, as well as the fly-tipper, could be prosecuted by the council.

“By checking for a valid licence they are also protecting themselves from rogue traders and fly tippers.

“There are many reputable, licenced carriers in the district. Please always check that whoever is working for you has a valid licence so you don’t get caught out. “You can also take unwanted items to your local recycling centre for free, or donate to a local charity if they are still in a good condition – some charities will collect for free.”

To check whether a person is a registered waste carrier, or to find a legitimate one, visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk.

For more information about fly-tipping, how to report it, or ways to dispose of your waste legally visit www.horsham.gov.uk/waste

If you have concerns about waste carriers or fly tipping, contact the council’s waste and recycling team on www.horsham.gov.uk/bins/reportit or call them on 01403 733144.