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Council clamps down on illegal disposal of waste in town centre

Bins, Waste and Recycling
11:02, Tuesday, 30th October 2018

26 October 2018

North Lincolnshire Council is urging residents and visitors to report businesses who they see using the town centre litter bins to dispose of their trade waste illegally.

There have been reports from local residents and some businesses that the bins are being filled up with commercial waste, leaving little or no room for litter.

The council recently announced it is to put in additional resources to undertake a clean-up blitz in Scunthorpe Town Centre as it launched a cleaning hit-squad to help keep it clean and litter free.

Business have a duty of care to safely store the waste they produce in such a way to prevent pollution and to only transfer that waste to a lawfully registered waste carrier such as the council or a waste management company. Failure to do this could result in an unlimited fine in the Magistrates Court.

For more details about how to dispose of trade waste responsibly, visit the waste pages.

The council is encouraging residents to report anyone they see using the litter bins to dispose of commercial waste on 01724 297000.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said:

“I have had members of the public and some businesses come up to me to say the litter bins are getting full quickly because some businesses are using them to dispose of their commercial waste.

“This is something I have asked the team to investigate and we will be talking to those responsible and taking action if necessary. The bins are not commercial bins. They are there for residents and visitors to use.

“Businesses should dispose of their waste properly and in accordance with the law. All businesses should be aware of this.

“Their actions are costing money through additional clean-up costs the council faces, which ultimately is a cost to the taxpayer. It is not fair that taxpayers are subsidising waste from private businesses.

“Come on businesses, act responsibly or pay the price. And if anyone witnesses anyone dumping what looks like commercial waste in the litter bins, please report it to the council.”