A CAMPAIGN has been launched to help reduce fly-tipping in the district after it was revealed there were more than 250 incidents within the past two years costing a staggering £22,000 in taxpayers money to investigate and clear.
The shocking cost, which Malvern Hills District Council had to meet, was claimed by the national ‘right Waste, right Place’ scheme which is launching its own campaign in the Malvern Hills to help businesses understand their waste responsibilities and raise awareness of fly-tipping issues.
Campaign bosses claim many businesses in the West Midlands are leaving themselves open to fines, prosecution and potential closure because around half are struggling how to manage their waste and by doing so are failing to comply with the law.
Some businesses are not checking if the people they pay to clear their rubbish are registered waste carriers as well as failing to obtain or keep a Waste Transfer Note which states where their rubbish is going.
Run by the Environmental Services Association (ESA), the campaign is supported by the Environment Agency and Chartered Institution of Wastes Management and offers advice on how to manage waste safely and efficiently.
Sam Corp, head of regulation at the ESA, said: “Dealing with waste can fall down the list of priorities when busy, but businesses in the Midlands need to realise they are risking significant penalties if they do not comply.
“Dealing with the results is costing taxpayers millions of pounds each year and waste criminals can harm the environment and put local communities in danger.
“By not complying, local businesses could well be helping facilitate such crime by not ensuring waste is disposed of safely.
“The ‘right Waste, right Place’ campaign is here to help. Our campaign provides valuable and easy-to-understand materials which will help businesses put good practices in place to protect them from breaking the law.”
Statistics from the ‘right Waste, right Place’ survey showed almost half of business across the Midlands did not know where all their waste goes after it leaves site.
By not complying with disposal regulations, businesses risk waste falling into the hands of criminals which can lead to environmental, health and safety risks.
Malvern Hills District Council chiefs backed the campaign saying advice would be welcomed in the area.
Phil Merrick, joint-head of economy and communities at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “Fly-tipping costs the taxpayer thousands of pounds in clear up costs every year and is a blight on the environment.
“We are happy to consider any campaign which looks to support the reduction of fly-tipping as reducing it is very important to us.”
For more information about the ‘right Waste, right Place’ campaign, visit www.rightwasterightplace.com.
Anyone who finds or witnesses fly tipping in Malvern should report it to the district council by calling 01684 862151 or by visiting www.malvernhills.gov.uk/fly-tipping-and-littering.
