Get tough calls over flytipping

The council has brought in a range of measures to tackle the problem

Magistrates are being called on to get tough on flytipping offenders.

Durham County Council has brought in a number of measures to tackle the problem of illegally dumped waste.

One was a permit system to stop rogue traders avoiding disposal charges by dumping commercial waste at household recycling centres.

Despite fears it would increase the problem, the council said it had led to the opposite, but it is calling for tougher measures for those prosecuted.

The council introduced the permit scheme after discovering up to 15% of all waste being taken to household recycling compounds was trade waste.

Raise profile

It said if it was left unchecked, it would have cost the council £1m in extra waste management costs this year.

Householders who want to use a van, pick-up or trailer need to apply in advance for a permit.

Council acting director of environment David Miller said since the scheme was introduced, the amount of flytipping waste had fallen every month. But he said flytipping remained a problem.

Cabinet member for waste management Councillor Brian Myers said: "Although the maximum penalties are currently a £50,000 fine and/or five years in prison, it is often disappointing that when we succeed in bringing a case to court, the penalties imposed do not reflect the seriousness of the crime.

"Potential offenders should be aware that we shall prosecute whenever the evidence allows and we are to conduct a programme to raise the profile of flytipping among local magistrates."