10 November 2020

Aberdeenshire Council cautions residents against fly-tipping after rise in Garioch numbers

Following a recent increase in fly-tipping cases across Garioch, Aberdeenshire Council would like to remind residents that fly-tipping is prohibited, and legal action will be taken against those who are caught. 

With a variety of disposal options available, the Council urges householders to manage their waste responsibly and avoid unlawful disposal methods.

There are 15 household recycling centres across Aberdeenshire, with many slots available for booking. The centres can reuse or recycle many household items and the facilities are free for the public to use.

There are also local charities that collect reusable furniture from your house, free of charge. Simply enter your postcode in the Reuse Tool provided by Zero Waste Scotland to find a charity that collects in your area.

Alternatively, the Council have resumed bulky waste uplifts. This service is currently operating at a reduced capacity, but the waste service is working to increase availability. The cost of collection is £27.96 for up to 4 items and significantly discounted charges are available to those on benefits. 

Many retailers also provide takeback schemes when you buy new household items, such as white goods, sofas or mattresses.

Ros Baxter, Waste Manager at Aberdeenshire Council, said: “I would like to remind the public that fly-tipping is illegal and offenders will be prosecuted if caught. Households and businesses are responsible for their waste and must ensure that it is disposed of lawfully.

“We have imposed several fines for fly-tipping this year, and our teams will continue to serve penalties to those who break the law.

“There have been concerns raised in the past about unlicensed individuals and businesses who have collected waste with false promises of disposal. For this reason, both residents and businesses should be wary about using a ‘man with a van’ or similar adverts on social media to dispose of waste.”

Before allowing any waste to be taken away, always take a note of the vehicle registration number, ask to see a waste carrier’s licence, ask where the waste is going and get a receipt. 

If the person collecting your waste will not grant your request, then the chances are your waste will be illegally dumped. If this is the case, you share liability for the crime and risk being given a fixed penalty notice. 

If you see someone committing an act of fly-tipping, littering or dog fouling, you can report it by completing an online form under the ‘report waste issues’ section on Aberdeenshire Council’s website or call the Wasteline on 03456 081207.

To report an incident of fly-tipping: http://bit.ly/report-flytipping

To make a booking at a household recycling centre: http://bit.ly/HRC-Booking

To find a local charity collecting furniture in your area: https://reusetool.zerowastescotland.org.uk/

If you have any questions or concerns about fly-tipping, please contact us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AberdeenshireWaste/