Stoke-on-Trent City Council warn that fly-tipping will not be tolerated

The warning comes as Stoke-on-Trent City Council has issued 34 fines for fly-tipping since 27 March, and has seen the number of incidents increase by 25 per cent on the same period last year. 

Council environmental enforcement officers have issued fines after finding household waste, baths, mattresses, fridges and rubble dumped and blighting locations across the city including in Redhills Road, Milton; Coseley Street and Kirk Street, Smallthorne; Scott Lidgett Road, Middleport; and King William Street, Tunstall. In one instance, council crews have returned to Rushton Road, Cobridge on three occasions after residents filled back alleys of properties with dumped waste.

Council leader Abi Brown said: “We know that these are difficult times for everyone, but it in no way excuses this dreadful behaviour. Let me be clear: fly-tipping is a blight on communities, it will not be tolerated. We urge anyone who witnesses it taking place to report it and we will take action where appropriate.

“If people have items that they want to get rid of, we ask please, to have a little patience and keep hold of them for now. If you are thinking about transferring your waste to someone else to dispose of, the law says that you must make reasonable checks to ensure they are licenced and will dispose of the waste lawfully. These are unprecedented times. We are closely following government guidance, tips across the country are closed and travelling to a tip is currently classed as a non-essential journey. We understand the difficulties this may pose on residents and we are reviewing this on a daily basis. Please bear with us, as we continue to work through these exceptional circumstances.”