News just in from Suffolk Coastal:

"Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils are reminding householders that they have a legal responsibility, or duty of care, to prevent their waste from being fly-tipped after a Saxmundham man has this week plead guilty to a waste offence.

Mr Perry Williams, of Mayflower Avenue, Saxmundham, appeared at Ipswich Magistrates Court on Tuesday 28 November 2017.

He pleaded guilty to an offence of failing to fulfil his duty of care towards household waste contrary to Section 34(2A) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in March 2017 from his address.

The case was brought to court after twenty sacks of general, unsorted household waste which were found to have been fly-tipped on land at Bannocks Lane in Cransford, were examined and found to contain post addressed to Mr Williams’ home at the time.

When interviewed at the Suffolk Coastal Norse depot by Council Officers, Mr Williams stated that he had allowed an unknown person to remove waste from his address in Saxmundham, and admitted that the waste found fly-tipped came from his property. He also admitted failing to ask what was going to happen to the waste, failing to take any basic details of the identity of the person, and failing to check that the person was an authorised waste carrier.

Mr Williams plead guilty to breaching his Duty of Care towards his waste. The Court took into account Mr Williams’ circumstances and ordered him to pay compensation of £100.

Cllr Poulter, Cabinet Member for the Green Environment at Suffolk Coastal, said: “By failing to carry out his basic Duty of Care checks, this individual’s carelessness lead directly to a significant quantity of his waste being dumped in our beautiful countryside. This case serves to show that we will have no hesitation in taking action anyone found responsible for despoiling our beautiful district.

“I would therefore urge anyone who arranges for any waste to be taken away from their home by anyone other than the Council’s service partners Suffolk Coastal Norse or Waveney Norse, to remember the “Scrap Code”, to avoid being held responsible, and risk acquiring a criminal record, should their waste end up fly-tipped.”

·      S:         Suspect. Beware of rogue waste carriers – reputable companies do not usually make direct approaches. If in any doubt as to whether someone is a legitimate waste carrier, do not allow them to take your waste.

·      C:         Check. Ask for their waste carrier registration details, and verify them by checking the online register or by calling 03708 506 506. Always note down the registration number of the vehicle used to take your waste away.

·      R:         Refuse unsolicited offers to have any rubbish taken away. Always carry out your own research and choose who you wish to approach. Legitimate waste carriers are unlikely to seek business by going door-to-door.

·      A:         Ask questions. Always ask what exactly is going to happen to your rubbish and seek evidence that it is going to be disposed of appropriately. A legitimate, professional waste carrier who wants your business should not object to being asked reasonable questions.

·      P:         Paperwork. Make sure you get a proper receipt containing the written information for your waste. This should include what has been removed, and where it will be going. Make sure the Company or tradesman’s details are included.

The Suffolk Waste Partnership has produced a video aimed at householders, emphasising the importance of the Duty of Care and how to do their bit to prevent their waste ending up fly-tipped by rogue waste carriers and avoid risking a fine of up to £5000: www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1X83ka_AqQ

If you see someone fly-tipping in Suffolk Coastal or Waveney, please report it in confidence online at: www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/waste/fly-tipping/how-to-report-fly-tipping

Or by calling Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils on 01394 383789 or 01502 562111, or email environment@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.

More information for Suffolk householders, landowners, and businesses about how they can help prevent and tackle fly-tipping is available on the Suffolk Recycling website: www.greensuffolk.org/recycling/fly-tipping "