Tag: Fly tipping

  • Cambridge Road dubbed ‘the fly tipping capital of Impington’

    Two large fridges and a pile of other waste were dumped on the road leading up to the B1049 some time around 18 March, causing a potential hazard to drivers as well as an environmental health concern for locals.

    Residents living at the southern stretch of Cambridge Road took to social media to comment on what they say is one of the worst incidents of fly tipping in their locality yet.

    One described increased incidents of fly tipping in the area recently, saying: “Cambridge Road feels like it is probably the fly tipping capital of Impington and it’s really frustrating.

    Advert

    “We’re used to people just driving into our street and either throwing their rubbish out the window as they drive by, or opening the door and emptying out the contents of their footwell onto the street, just metres from the nearest bin. Also people urinating here is a regular sight.” 

    The same resident went on to detail how “large lumps of concrete and metal” and “an office chair with a bucket on top” had been dumped there recently, in addition to the “large quantities of general litter” which they say are common place. 

    The dumped waste on Cambridge Road was subsequently cleared by South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) operatives on Friday (21 March).

    The team from SCDC clear the fly tipped waste on Friday 21 March.

    Following the evidence

    White goods such as fridges and freezers need to be disposed of properly as they contain harmful chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) gases. Correct disposal of such items can cost up to £50, leading to many being fly tipped to avoid the fee.

    SCDC defines fly tipping as the illegal dumping of items and says anyone caught doing so could face a fixed penalty notice of up to £700.

    They say: “all instances of fly tipping should be reported to us using an online web form, whether you witnessed it take place or not. People can be prosecuted even if waste is fly tipped by someone else on their behalf.” 

    They also urge residents to: “… always use a registered waste carrier to provide a skip and collect your rubbish; and check the register of waste carriers on the Environment Agency website”.

    The Council’s environmental crimes officers will act on reports and follow up. If there is any information among the rubbish, such as bills or addresses, they can follow the evidence. 

    For the upcoming financial year, the Council will be purchasing an extra vehicle and employing another member of staff to support its enviro-crime team as it tackles fly tipping.

    READ ALSO: Histon couple deny fly tipping accusation | HI HUB

    Fill in the online form here to report fly tipping; and find out more about how to dispose of household items safely here.

    When reporting incidents of fly tipping it is useful to include the following details:

    • Exact location
    • Date and time the fly tipping was discovered
    • The contents and size of the fly tip
    • Details and photos of the items
    • Vehicle registration numbers

  • Histon couple deny fly tipping accusation

    A Histon couple are fighting a fly tipping allegation after an envelope with their address on was found in a pile of dumped bin bags. Jo Franklin, end of life support worker for the charity HI Friends, and her husband Andrew, are cooperating fully with the Cambridge City Council investigation.

    “Anyone could find themselves in this situation,” Jo warns, “the experience so far has been very stressful.” 

    ‘Not our rubbish…’

    Advert

    The Council claims an envelope with the Franklins’ name and address on it was found in a pile of household waste in bin bags dumped in Barnwell Road, Cambridge – six miles from their home. The rubbish had been placed next to large industrial bins. 

    Inspecting the photographic evidence sent to them, Jo says the envelope appears to be from a Christmas card and their house number was crossed out and corrected on it. She says they do not use any of the household products photographed from the bin bags. They had never previously been to the location but visited after receiving the letter from the enforcement officer. 

    Jo, who has previously helped on litter picks in the village, said: “I know this is not our rubbish and we did not do this. We are now going through the motions to prove our innocence; but I’m still worried despite the fact I know we have done nothing wrong.

    “This could happen to anybody and I feel it’s important to warn the community. All it takes is one item with someone’s name and address being found in the wrong place.”

    She added: “We shred and rip up anything with our personal details on and then put it in the recycling. But this shows none of us have control over what happens outside our own homes.” 

    Households ‘duty of care’

    Cambridge City Council’s letter to the couple dated 11 February explained householders “have a duty of care under the Environmental Protection Act 1990” to ensure their waste is disposed of “in an appropriate manner and with a registered waste carrier”. 

    “Any breach of the duty or fly tipping is a serious criminal offence,” the letter states. 

    It later explains: “In this case, the evidence […] obtained so far suggests that you may have had some involvement in the matter, therefore please find enclosed with this letter a notice containing questions relating to the waste that was found.”

    Next steps

    Jo and Andrew were offered a number of options and have chosen to be interviewed under caution to help the Council with its enquiries. At time of writing, they were waiting to hear back on a date. They have also been liaising with councillors in Barnwell and in the village – and say H&I Parish Council has been “very supportive”. 

    A spokesperson for Cambridge City Council said: “As part of our standard investigative process, individuals linked to evidence found in fly tipped waste may be invited to provide an explanation, either in writing or through an interview under caution.

    “The council is committed to tackling fly tipping, which is a serious environmental crime.”

    READ ALSO: Rubbish heads to Northern Ireland for recycling