Pollution Control

Ribble Valley is very proactive in its role as enforcing authority for fly-tipping and littering offences. Recently, the Environmental health Department has worked very closely with Street Cleansing to take action to tidy up the back streets of the Borough. You may have received information through your door, advising of when refuse sacks should be put out for collection, how to make use of our special collection service for bulky items and, of course, the consequences of littering.

Fixed penalty Notices can be served for fly-tipping and littering of smaller amounts of waste. These result in a fine of £50. However, non-payment of the fine can result in prosecution and a fine of up to £1000.

Therefore, it is very important that householders do not place refuse out for collection until the evening before, and report all missed collection immediately.

With reference to large fly-tipping incidents, or the dumping of hazardous waste, if you witness such an event, it is important to record detailed descriptions and registration details of vehicles used and the persons involved. The Council should be contacted straight away and the more information you can provide the better.

Other agencies may also be involved when such incidents occur.

The Environment Agency is an important contact, particularly if the deposit is close to a watercourse, residential property, or is leaking fluid.

If the deposit is on the Highway, Lancashire County Council Highways Department may need to remove the waste to clear the carriageway.

The incidence of fly-tipping in the Borough is unfortunately increasing and the cost of removing and disposing of such waste is often very high. Help us, where you can, so that we can stamp out this problem and catch those culprits, who are not only spoiling our environment, but also costing valuable resources to clean up after.