A pile of black bags and household waste left on a track in Cotwalton has prompted a fresh warning about fly tipping in rural parts of the Stone area.
The incident happened in recent weeks on a green lane close to the village, where bags of rubbish were scattered just off the path. It was one of two cases that have now led to fixed penalty notices totalling £1,200.
Waste traced back to two separate households
In the Cotwalton case, investigators traced the rubbish to a woman from Meir. She told officers she had handed £60 in cash to a man in a pickup who knocked on her door and offered to take the waste away.
A second case in the north of the borough saw a mattress, cardboard and curtain rods dumped off a layby on the A519 near Hanchurch. That waste was traced to a woman from Ellesmere Port who said she had paid £150 to a removal company she had hired to help with a house move. Officers say enquiries to find the men who dumped the waste are still ongoing.
Both women have been issued with £600 fixed penalty notices for failing to ensure their waste was disposed of correctly, which is an offence under household duty of care rules.
Council urges residents to check waste carriers
Councillor Ian Fordham, Cabinet Member for Environment at Stafford Borough Council, said residents should take extra care when dealing with anyone offering cheap collection services.
He said, “Fly tipping, littering and other environmental crimes are a blight on our communities. They can cause environmental damage, they attract anti social behaviour, make areas look untidy, and have an adverse impact on the quality of life for our residents. And our residents are disgusted when people fly tip in their community.”
He added, “It may seem like a cheap alternative paying someone to get rid of your rubbish, but if they are not a registered waste carrier then you leave yourself open to a fine or even prosecution.”
The council has advised people to always ask for credentials, check the public waste carrier register, and request a receipt showing how and where waste will be disposed of.
A spokesperson said reports from the public remain important for tackling environmental offences across the borough. Residents who have information about those responsible for fly tipping can submit details through the council’s Grimewatch page.
