Latest scam is rubbish
Cheeky conmen are charging to take away householders' rubbish, before dumping it nearby.
Telford & Wrekin Council says it has had reports from across the borough about doorstep callers offering to remove people’s rubbish and unwanted items for a small fee.
The rubbish is later found dumped by their former owners nearby.
It is the latest scam that has seen fly tipping large and small in the area.
In April Network Rail paid more than £40,000 to clear 25 lorry loads of semi-processed household rubbish dumped on land it owns in Telford.
The latest, smaller scale fly-tipping could see the orginal owners of the rubbish fined.
Councillor Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Enforcement said: “Such offers to remove unwanted items may appear convenient but they aren’t disposed of properly.
“Our callers later recognise their own waste just round the corner, up the road or over a fence. When they realise what has happened, our callers pick up their waste and take it back home but, by then, they have parted with money for nothing.
“If you need something removing that you can’t take to a Household Recycling Centre yourself, it is vital that you do your checks on the person you plan to use to do it for you.
“You need to know who they are, what vehicle they will use to take away the waste and where they are taking it to. Get the details of their waste carrier licence and make sure you get a receipt."
Councillor Overton said that the council also offered a Bulk Collection Service.
"Prices start at £18 for up to three items and there are discounts available subject to eligibility. And you can be sure we will dispose of it properly.”
If the contents of a fly-tip are traced to the original owner, they face a £300 Fixed Penalty Notice for failing in their “Duty of Care” by not carrying out the necessary checks.
Members of Telford & Wrekin Counci's cabinet recently agreed to pay for 40 new officers to police anti-social behaviour which includes fly-tipping.
Councillors also agreed to invest £300,000 in mobile CCTV cameras in a bid to catch more people in the act.
Environmental officers will work out on the streets, in neighbourhoods and with schools to teach people how to recycle properly and manage their waste better. As part of the educational approach, they will also inform the public of the services the council provides.
