Defra proposes £400 fine for using an unauthorised waste carrier

Fly-tipping

Defra has announced plans to fine households up to £400 if they pay an unauthorised waste carrier to take away rubbish and allow free disposal of DIY waste at council tips so there is less need to pay someone to remove it.

CLA Director North Dorothy Fairburn said: “We want a more effective legal system to deal with offenders more robustly, and urge councils to exercise their powers in prosecuting fly tippers. The maximum fine is £50,000 or 12 months imprisonment if convicted in a Magistrates' Court, but this is never enforced.

"If it was, it might deter fly-tippers. Frequently, it costs more to bring an offender to court than the penalty actually imposed.”