By Council warn locals of flooding risk and environmental damage caused by fly-tipping
North East Lincolnshire Council and its regeneration partner ENGIE are once again warning local residents about the risks of fly-tipping.
This comes after a spate in offences in Grimsby and Cleethorpes, from householders throwing garden waste over fences to criminal gangs and rogue traders disposing of their rubbish in ditches and waterways.
A council spokesperson said: “Dumped rubbish in ditches is increasing the risk of flooding and also threatening wildlife.
“People dumping garden waste, tree cuttings, tyres and other rubbish in ditches or other waterways are blocking the flow of water and putting others at risk of flooding.
“Watercourses are there to move and store water. If they are blocked, the water cannot flow freely. This can erode the banks and cause flooding. It also damages natural habitat and puts wildlife at risk.
“Some householders are known to be throwing garden waste over their fences and into ditches behind or near their homes. This activity could backfire on them if the blockages cause the banks of the ditch to erode and collapse.
“In other cases, criminal gangs and rogue traders are known to fly-tip rubbish out of sight in ditches and other waterways.
“If you are paying someone to take waste away on your behalf, check their details. You face an unlimited fine or prosecution in the courts if your waste is fly-tipped by someone else.”
Cllr Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Fly-tipping is a crime and dumped green waste is not as you might think a victimless crime.
“Dumping rubbish illegally in ditches causes problems such as flooding and damage to the environment.
“We know rogue traders are advertising on social media sites such as Facebook to dispose of your waste for a small fee.
“These people are not legitimate waste carriers and are acting illegally if they take your waste away.
“Please help look after our local environment and make sure your waste is disposed of lawfully.”
If you see anyone dumping waste illegally, you can report it at www.nelincs.gov.uk/flytipping.
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