A Quick Summary
- Four Trowbridge businesses were fined £300 each after being caught fly-tipping rubbish in Fore Street without proper waste contracts.
- Wiltshire Council launched the “Stop at Source” campaign to educate businesses and residents about responsible waste disposal and reduce fly-tipping.
- Businesses must legally manage waste through licensed carriers and retain documentation to avoid penalties. Get in touch with us if this sounds like you!
Fly-tipping remains a pressing issue for communities across the UK, and recent incidents in Trowbridge have highlighted the ongoing challenge of ensuring proper waste management.
Wiltshire Council recently issued fines to multiple businesses after piles of rubbish were discovered in Fore Street, Trowbridge, demonstrating the importance of responsible waste disposal.
Table of Contents
- What Happened in Trowbridge?
- Legal Obligations for Waste Disposal
- Wiltshire’s Stop at Source Campaign
- Broader Efforts Against Fly-Tipping
- How Businesses Can Stay Compliant
- Conclusion
What Happened in Trowbridge?
Wiltshire Council’s Environment Enforcement team identified that waste dumped in Fore Street came from four local businesses.
Investigations revealed these businesses lacked commercial waste contracts and failed to provide legal waste transfer documentation.
As a result, each was issued a £300 fixed penalty notice (FPN).
The council confirmed the fines were paid, and the businesses have since established waste management agreements to comply with the law.
Legal Obligations for Waste Disposal
Businesses in the UK are legally obligated to manage their waste responsibly under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Commercial waste cannot be disposed of through public or domestic waste systems.
Instead, businesses must:
- Maintain Waste Transfer Notes:
These records prove waste is passed to a licensed collector and must be retained for two years.
- Set Up Contracts with Registered Carriers:
This ensures that waste is collected and disposed of lawfully.
Failure to adhere to these requirements can lead to penalties, as seen in the Trowbridge case, and tarnishes a business’ reputation.
Wiltshire’s Stop at Source Campaign
Wiltshire Council has launched the Stop at Source (SAS) initiative to educate residents and businesses about proper waste disposal and reduce incidents of fly-tipping.
The campaign emphasises the importance of:
- Responsible waste management practices.
- Avoiding illegal dumping to protect the environment.
- Ensuring waste carriers are licensed.
Councillor Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Highways and Street Scene, commented:
“Our Business Plan pledge focuses on tackling environmental crime and keeping Wiltshire beautiful.”
Broader Efforts Against Fly-Tipping
This isn’t an isolated incident. Earlier in 2024, Wiltshire Council fined a Salisbury business £1,000 for dumping waste near St Paul’s roundabout and another business in Amesbury for improperly using public bins for commercial waste.
The council’s zero-tolerance policy highlights its commitment to environmental stewardship and holding offenders accountable.
How Businesses Can Stay Compliant
To avoid penalties, businesses should:
1) Audit Current Waste Practices: Review how waste is generated, stored, and collected.
2) Partner with a Licensed Waste Carrier: (just like us!) Ensure the provider is registered with the Environment Agency.
3) Keep Documentation: Maintain records of waste transfers for at least two years.
Proactive compliance not only prevents fines but also supports community efforts to reduce environmental harm.
Conclusion
The fines in Trowbridge serve as a reminder of the importance of adhering to waste management laws.
Local authorities like Wiltshire Council are taking decisive action to combat fly-tipping through penalties and awareness campaigns.
By working together, businesses and residents can contribute to a cleaner, safer environment.
