Council alerts householders not to be caught out by bogus waste carriers

Horsham District Council are clamping down on the activities of bogus waste carriers and raising awareness of the personal responsibility of householders using tradespeople and waste removers who do not have a valid Waste Carrier Licence, and who then illegally fly-tip their waste.

A social media campaign, spearheaded by the Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste Cllr Philip Circus, has been developed in response to the growing problem of tradespeople and others dumping household waste illegally across the District.

Speaking of the waste disposal issue, Cllr Circus said:

“Fly-tipping is a blight on our communities and costs the council tax payer significant amounts of money to clear-up and investigate.

“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.”

Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste Cllr Philip Circus

Residents and businesses need to check that anyone disposing of their waste has a valid Waste Carrier Licence which is a legal requirement.

To check whether a person is a registered waste carrier, or to find a legitimate one, visit the Environment Agency website.

Or for more information about fly-tipping, how to report it, or ways to dispose of your waste legally please visit our Waste, recycling and bins web-page.

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

Find out more information about Waste Carrier Licences.

For media queries please email press@horsham.gov.uk