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Public’s help needed to
catch illegal dumpers
THE public are being asked to help
catch illegal dumpers who are tipping thousands of tonnes of domestic waste in
Liverpool. There have been 6 incidents at vacant industrial sites in the
City, since May 2016 and so far it is estimated to have cost the Council up to
£1 million to clear the waste and dispose of it. It is believed the waste is
being brought to Liverpool from other parts of the country, and in most cases
the operation to dump it takes several weeks using HGVs and fork lift trucks to
place it out of sight inside empty buildings.
Councillor Steve Munby, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said:-
"This is a highly sophisticated operation taking place during the day
using professional equipment with workers in hi-vis jackets. In most cases
people don't think it is suspicious and just think it is normal activity on an
industrial estate. The fact of the matter is that this is illegal dumping of
household waste on a massive scale and so far it has cost us getting on for £1
million in clean up and disposal costs. There is so much of it that it takes
days and days to clear and then there is the additional cost of getting rid of
it which does not come cheap because of landfill taxes. It is particularly
galling that this is probably waste that other Councils have already paid to
dispose of, so the public purse is effectively paying twice. We are working
closely with the Environment Agency and investigations are underway to track
down the individuals and organisations responsible. Our message to local
communities is let us know if you see anything unusual happening, so we can
investigate immediately and hopefully catch those involved in the act."
The sites hit so far are in Everton, Garston, Speke and Aintree. In two of the
incidents in Everton, the bales caught fire leading to flies and odour polluting
the area, causing misery for local residents.
Similar tipping has occurred in other areas across the country
and it is thought the waste has come from a number of local authority areas
including London and Norfolk.
People who believe illegal dumping is going on are advised to contact either:-
► Liverpool City Council on:- 0151 233 3001.
► Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.
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