Newport City Council is launching a hard hitting campaign to crack down on fly-tipping in the city.
The council is calling on its residents to be vigilant and report any instances of fly tipping which is a criminal offence. Anyone found guilty of fly-tipping could be hit with a £20,000 fine and up to six months imprisonment.
Councillor David Fouweather, cabinet member for street services, said: “Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and it is everyone’s responsibility to held to rid the city of this problem.
“We all have a duty of care to ensure that our rubbish is disposed of in a responsible manner. If your rubbish ends up being fly-tipped, you could be held responsible and fined.
“I would ask every resident to ensure their waste is disposed of properly, either in their kerbside collections, at the Household Waste Recycling Centre or by contacting a registered waste carrier to remove it.
“If residents do see fly-tipping taking place, they should contact the council on 01633 656656 to report it as soon as possible.”
The council won funding for campaign from the Welsh Government as part of a Local Environmental Quality bid in partnership with Flytipping Action Wales.
The campaign is just one of a number of measures to tackle rubbish and litter in the city.
Throughout March the council has again pledged its support to the Chewing Gum Action Group campaign to rid the streets of the sticky issue of chewing gum litter. Removal of chewing gum from pavements in Newport has previously cost the council £35,000 per year. During last years campaign there was a 67 per cent reduction in the amount of chewing gum litter dropped on monitored sites.
The council is also asking for volunteers to assist with clean ups in Duffryn, Pillgwenlly and Lliswerry. If members of the public would like to help clean up Newport they can contact 01633 656656 or email [email protected]
To report flytipping call 01633 656656 or visit www.newport.gov.uk
To find a registered waste carrier visit the Environment Agency or call 08708 506506 or visit http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk
