Van used for fly tipping in Darlington seized and crushed

A van believed to have been used for fly tipping has been seized and crushed as part of Darlington Borough Council’s ongoing efforts to tackle this environmental crime.

Civic Enforcement Officers, part of the council’s Community Safety Team, seized the vehicle – a white Ford Transit tipper - and waste materials in Neasham Road, Darlington on 1 December.

It was seized under Section 34b of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as the officers had ‘reasonable belief’ it had been used in fly tipping.

A notification was posted on the council’s website, allowing 15 days for a valid claim to be made for the vehicle to be returned, but as no claim was made the van was crushed on 23 December.

Investigations are continuing in relation to the individuals responsible for the fly tipping.

A council spokesperson said: “We hope this sends a strong warning to all those involved in the illegal fly tipping of waste. We are watching and we will use every power available to us if you are caught, including prosecution and the seizure of vehicles.

“Fly tipping will not be tolerated and we aim to ensure those responsible pay for their crimes.”

He added: “Unfortunately there does appear to be a growing number of people advertising waste disposal services through social media, not all of them legal.

“We would remind residents or businesses who use an independent waste carrier that they must always ask to see the operator’s waste carrier licence, as issued by the Environment Agency, and the relevant waste transfer notes. This is important because  if residents make the mistake of employing an unscrupulous operator and their waste is dumped illegally -  they too are committing an offence and could face a large fine.

“Householders should be particularly wary of businesses that only operate through social media and do not seem to have a landline phone number or business address. They should also be wary of anyone coming to their door offering to take away rubbish on the cheap.”

Darlington residents are urged to report any incidents of fly tipping to help tackle the problem. You can do this online at www.darlington.gov.uk/reportit  

For more information about the work of Civic Enforcement Officers and the Community Safety Team visit www.darlington.gov.uk/communitysafety

Householders can check if a company has a valid waste carrier licence via the Environment Agency online at: https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers