Bucks Council asking for residents' help to prevent fly-tipping

We're being urged to take a few simple checks before paying someone to take away rubbish.

Bucks Council have released a new code for residents to use to help protect themselves from rogue waste collectors who may dump their waste illegally.

The S.C.R.A.P code involves:

S - Suspecting all waste carriers and not allowing waste to be collected until a carrier has proven they are legitimate. The council say if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is and that professional waste carrier should happily answer reasonable questions. 

C - Checking that the waste carrier is registered on the Environment Agency's website.

R - Refusing any unexpected or time-sensitive offers to remove rubbish. The council say if something doesn't feel right or there are concerns that waste may be disposed of illegally, report it to the Environment Agency.

A - Asking where waste is going. A legitimate carrier should be able to explain how it will be disposed of and provide evidence if asked.

P - Paperwork must be obtained: a proper invoice, waste transfer note or receipt (including a description of the waste being removed) and the waste carriers' contact details.

Bucks Council say following the advice before handing over rubbish - whether for old furniture, general and garden waste or DIY materials - will help people avoid future potential fines and support keeping the county's streets, parks and countryside free from fly-tipping. 

Ade Osibogun, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Waste said:

"No one wants to discover that rubbish they've paid to have removed has been dumped illegally. By taking a few simple checks before handing over waste, residents can protect themselves from potential fines, help prevent fly-tipping and keep Buckinghamshire clean.

"If waste is given to an unregistered carrier, it could be dumped elsewhere, harming the environment and creating costs for local communities. By following the S.C.R.A.P. code, residents can make informed choices about who takes their waste and help stop fly-tipping before it happens.

"Together, by making the right checks before handing over our waste, we can help prevent fly-tipping and keep Buckinghamshire clean, safe and attractive, protecting the neighbourhoods, parks and countryside that matter most to our communities."

The council say fly-tipping harms neighbourhoods, damages the environment and creates clean-up costs that ultimately fall on local communities. They add that "by each doing our bit, together we can S.C.R.A.P. fly-tipping".

More information on the code can be found here (external)