Four people fined £1,000 for dumping rubbish in other people’s bins in Northampton
Four people have each been fined £1,000 after dumping rubbish in other people’s bins in a Northampton neighbourhood.
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has taken action following repeated complaints from residents in the St David’s area who said they were unable to use their own bins because other people were filling them with waste.
Since July, the council’s Environmental Crime Team has identified four offenders, with each handed a £1,000 fine.
WNC is now warning residents and businesses that putting waste in a residential or commercial bin which does not belong to them can be classed as fly-tipping.
The council says it has seen an increase in complaints about people using private and residential bin stores to dispose of rubbish illegally.
As well as leaving householders and businesses without enough space for their own waste, the problem can lead to overflowing bins, litter and accumulating rubbish which then has to be cleared.
Councillor Andrew Last, cabinet member for HR, corporate and regulatory services, said: “Local people and businesses may feel they are doing the right thing by disposing of their waste in the nearest bin.
“We’re reminding them that everyone relies on their bins to dispose of their waste so please be courteous of others and only dispose of waste in your own bin.”
He said the Environmental Crime Team had acted on residents’ complaints to investigate the problems, identify those responsible and issue fines.
WNC says large and bulky items should not be placed in residential bins.
Household waste can instead be taken free of charge to a Household Waste Recycling Centre after booking a slot, while the council also offers a paid-for bulky waste collection service.
Residents can also arrange for rubbish to be removed by a licensed waste carrier or skip company.
Fly-tipping can be reported through WNC’s website or Report It app, or by calling the council on 0300 126 7000.