Illegal waste disposal targeted

The city council is targeting businesses that are illegally dumping waste

A city council is cracking down on businesses illegally dumping commercial waste in recycling sites meant for household rubbish.

Leicester's environment crime team is targeting people dumping trade waste in the Islington street and Bridge Road civic community recycling centres.

It is a criminal offence, with a maximum penalty of five years in prison or a £50,000 fine.

Three businesses are now being investigated.

Stephen Quick, team leader of Leicester City Council's environment crime team, said: "I think the message is that business must take responsibility for its own waste and dispose of it properly.

"They have got to stop riding on the back of the council tax payer, expecting a free service for their business."

He said preventing the dumping of commercial waste would save the council money.