Major enforcement operation to tackle persistent fly-tipping
Sandwell Council has launched a major enforcement operation to tackle persistent fly-tipping at Forge Lane and Park Lane, with evidence gathered that has led to a number of individuals being identified as part of ongoing investigations.
The operation combined enhanced enforcement activity and large-scale waste clearance to address a problematic fly-tipping locations and send a clear message that environmental crime will not be tolerated.
Working alongside Birmingham City Council and waste contractor Serco, significant quantities of illegally dumped waste were removed from both sides of the Sandwell and Birmingham boundary, helping to restore the area and improve the local environment for residents.
However, officers have stressed that clearing the waste is only one part of the operation.
Before any waste was removed, each fly-tip was carefully examined by Sandwell Council's rapid response team to recover evidence that could help identify those responsible. Information obtained from the waste is now being reviewed by environmental enforcement officers as part of a series of ongoing investigations.
The evidence gathered has generated a significant number of promising leads, and our team will be contacting relevant individuals directly.
The council will contact individuals whose details have been found within fly-tipped waste to establish how their waste came to be unlawfully deposited. Investigations will seek to identify both those directly responsible for fly-tipping and any individuals or businesses that may have failed in their duty of care when arranging for waste to be removed.
Councillor Bob Jones, Sandwell Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement said:
"Fly-tipping is a blight on our communities and we will not stand for it in Sandwell.
"This operation is about much more than clearing waste. It is about gathering evidence, identifying offenders and taking enforcement action wherever possible.
"People should not think they can get away with fly-tipping in Sandwell. If your waste is found, you can expect us to investigate. Where there is evidence to support action, we will not hesitate to pursue it.
"We are investing in enforcement and working closely with partner organisations to make sure those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
"Our message to these criminals is simple: do not come to Sandwell."
The operation forms part of Sandwell Council's wider work to tackle fly-tipping and environmental crime across the borough. The council and its partners continue to identify hotspot locations and explore further measures to prevent illegal dumping, improve intelligence gathering and support enforcement activity.
Residents are also being reminded to check that anyone removing waste on their behalf is authorised to do so. Householders have a duty of care over their waste and could face investigation if their rubbish is later found at a fly-tipping site.
Sandwell Council remains committed to keeping neighbourhoods clean, safe and welcoming for residents and visitors, and will continue to take robust action against those who dump waste illegally.