New £400 fines for residents who irresponsibly dispose of household waste are to be introduced on 1 March.
The introduction of new fines follows concerns about householders getting unlicensed waste carriers to take items away – and them then being illegally dumped around the borough.
Council environmental protection officers have already issued 165 £400 fines to people caught fly-tipping in Sandwell since a new enforcement drive started in May 2017.
The council is giving the enforcement team extra powers to deal with waste dumping from households, with the threat of fines on people who break the rules.
Council Leader Councillor Yvonne Davies said: “The introduction of these new penalties will help the council to deal with the serious problem of fly-tipping, which is a national issue.
“The new fines will significantly strengthen our determination to tackle fly-tipping and make householders think very seriously about who they pay to dispose of unwanted items.
“Sandwell has been a trailblazer in the West Midlands for dealing with fly-tipping, including environmental enforcement. The introduction of new penalties will ensure we have extra powers to further improve our efforts.”
Councillor Davies added that people will would welcome the new fines because they complain about fly-tipping being a really anti-social and disgraceful problem.
The council also uses CCTV cameras to monitor fly-tipping ‘hot spots’, which has helped officers identify fly-tippers and fine them.
Under the new stricter rules, householders will be responsible for ensuring they use a licensed waste carrier.
And the council emphasises to householders that reputable licensed waste carriers would provide customers with receipts and other relevant paperwork for their services, giving them proof they have used an authorised company.
Residents are urged not to use door-to-door callers to dispose of their waste. For large items that won’t fit in the bin, people are encouraged to use the tip at Shidas Lane, Oldbury, or book a bulky waste collection.
Each household with someone over 60 is entitled to one free collection of bulky waste (up to four items or one fridge/freezer) in any 12-month period.
Report fly-tipping or call 0121 368 1177.
