Fly-tippers are being warned of strict enforcement action if they are found dumping their waste.
Hull City Council has issued a warning to people who are taking advantage of coronavirus restrictions and illegally dumping their waste.
If caught, offenders could face a £400 fine or criminal prosecution which would result in an unlimited fine and recovery of costs associated with the clean-up and investigation carried out by the local authority.
Councillor Anita Harrison, portfolio holder for waste management at Hull City Council, said: “There are a minority of irresponsible people who are taking these lockdown restrictions as an opportunity to illegally dispose of their waste.
“There is no excuse for this. Bin collections are operating as normal, the household waste and recycling centres have reopened and the service has temporarily doubled its capacity for the amount of bulky items they can collect during this pandemic.
“We are also concerned with those who are choosing to burn their waste on a bonfire. This is irresponsible and dangerous and can decrease the air quality and impact the health of those in close proximity.
“If you choose to carry out these activities, you are part of an extremely selfish minority group and when identified, we will prosecute you.”
Residents are also warned against paying rogue traders from social media to remove their excess waste.
Councillor Harrison said: “We would encourage residents to always check with the Environment Agency who is disposing of their waste as failure to do so could result in it becoming fly-tipped elsewhere in Hull, and you will be held liable to a penalty or prosecution and the costs of cleaning up the wastes.
Visit the Environment Agency website or call 03708 506 506 before paying someone to collect your waste.
Residents are encouraged to report any information they have in relation to witnessing fly-tipping, as it could help to secure a successful prosecution.
Report fly-tipping here or visit the council’s caught on camera webpage to help identify those caught illegally dumping waste.
