'Expect a £400 fine' - that's the warning to fly-tippers in Stockton-on-Tees

Fly tipping is the illegal disposal of waste without a waste management licence and covers everything from the dumping of a single bin bag of rubbish to tonnes of waste.

New measures are now available to local authorities to take action against people who do not dispose of their household, industrial or commercial waste properly.

And in a meeting of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Cabinet last night (Thursday, 25 January) councillors gave the green light for Civic Enforcement Officers to use fixed penalty notices set at the maximum penalty of £400.

Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: "Each year the Council receives thousands of fly-tipping reports and this is increasing.

"It is a serious issue which needs to be tackled, not only because of the cost to the environment and to the health of our residents but also because the Council is left to meet the increasing cost of clearing away the fly-tipped rubbish.

"We always take action against fly-tippers and we hope the increased £400 penalty will make people think twice before they illegally dispose their waste."

He added: "We'd also like to remind households and businesses that it is their duty to make sure that the waste they produce is disposed of properly. If you employ someone to take away your rubbish they must be a licensed waste carrier or you could end up footing an expensive bill."

People living across Stockton-on-Tees can dispose of household rubbish at the Household Waste Recycling Centre at Haverton Hill. 

Residents wishing to report a fly-tipping offence can call 01642 391959 or email careforyourarea@stockton.gov.uk

For more information visit Litter, street cleaning and fly tipping.