SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Don’t be conned by Facebook Fly-tippers warns council

RESIDENTS are being warned to take care when using anyone who advertises waste or removal services on social media sites such as Facebook.

South Somerset District Council’s environmental protection team said fly-tipped waste had been traced back to householders who paid “man and van” services to dispose of their waste.

There is a growing industry of ‘Facebook Fly-tippers’ who pose online as legitimate waste removal companies but then dump the rubbish down country lanes and laybys.

If fly-tipped waste can be traced back to its owner, the owner can be fined even if they had no idea it was going to be fly-tipped.

Every individual and business has a ‘duty of care’ to ensure they correctly dispose of their waste.

The district council’s environmental services spokesman, Cllr Carol Goodall, said: “We are cracking down on fly-tipping in the district and the environmental protection and enforcement officers will go to great lengths to find out who the rubbish belongs to.

“If any fly-tipped waste is traced back to you, it could result in a fine as you are responsible for what happens to your waste once it leaves your home. You could be fined up to £5,000 if you fail to check if you are using a legitimate waste carrier who will dispose of the waste at authorised site.”

Always be wary of businesses that only operate through social media, do not seem to have a landline number or business address, and offer a very cheap cash deal.

Never pay cash, always get a full receipt and note details of people and vehicles.

Always check the business has a valid licence on the Environment Agency’s website https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/index .

For more advice about how to fight fly-tipping in Somerset, visit http://www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/about/fight-fly-tipping/ .

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