A CRACKDOWN on illegal scrap metal collections in Rugby has been launched following a number of reports from residents.
Warwickshire Police and Rugby Borough Council’s (RBC) licensing team have joined forces to target unlicensed scrap metal collectors in the borough.
During Operation Dined, officers plan to inspect collection vehicles for roadworthiness and check whether occupants hold the correct licences to carry out collections – reporting unlicensed collectors to the council for investigation.
RBC’s leader and regulation spokesman Coun Derek Poole urged residents to play their part.
He said: “It’s important residents realise responsibility for the safe and legal disposal of waste lies with the owner of the waste.
“While the majority of scrap metal collectors, including ‘man with a van’ businesses, operate in the borough legitimately, residents need to demonstrate a duty of care by checking whether collectors hold valid licences in order to avoid potential legal action should the scrap be fly-tipped and traced back to the original owner.
“Fly-tipping costs the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds every year and we investigate all incidents. Where we find evidence to trace the owner of the waste, we can take legal action.”
Householders face prosecution and a hefty fine if their rubbish gets fly-tipped by a company or individual without a waste carrier licence.
Residents should also request a waste transfer note from the collector and ask where they intend to dispose of the waste.
Scrap metal collectors operating in Rugby also require a scrap metal collector licence issued by the council. Scrap metal collectors cannot be paid ‘cash in hand’, so residents should avoid collectors who request cash payment.
Call the council’s licensing team on (01788) 533533 or email [email protected] to report suspicions of illegal scrap metal collections.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/yhuufce3 to check a scrap metal collector’s licence, and https://tinyurl.com/3mbr2re2 to check on waste carrier licences.
Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/bulkywaste for more information on the council’s bulky waste collection service.
