SEDGEMOOR District Council have cracked down on illegal waste dumping by raising fines for fly tipping to £400 for a fixed penalty notice.
The council say that fly tipping is a serious environmental problem which is hazardous to children and attracts vermin.
It is illegal and punishable by a fine or imprisonment.
In most instances, Sedgemoor District Council will clear dumped rubbish from public land.
However, fly tipping on private land is the responsibility of the landowner/tenant. Everyone in Sedgemoor can take action against fly tipping, from reporting those dumping waste to avoiding their own waste being fly tipped.
The council have issued advice to people who may come across unfamiliar waste.
- Do not touch: fly tipped waste may be dangerous, as it can contain syringes, broken glass, asbestos, toxic chemicals or other hazardous substances.
- Visually inspect it: try to determine what it is and how much there is.
- Note its exact location and whether it is in or near water.
- Do not disturb the site: there may be evidence that could identify and convict the culprits.
The council added that if anyone sees fly tipping happen to stay safe and note how many people were involved, the day, date and time it occurred and the make, colour and registration of any vehicles involved.
If you discover fly tipped waste contact Sedgemoor District Council on 0300 303 7800
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