Crackdown on fly-tipping
DRIVERS using Merthyr Common were stopped last week for routine checks for illegal waste activity as part of a multi-agency clampdown on the persistent fly-tipping that’s been blighting the local beauty spot.
The operation was carried out by a roaming border patrol of waste enforcement officers from Merthyr Tydfil and Caerphilly county borough councils in partnership with officers from South Wales and Gwent Police forces, Fly-tipping Action Wales, Natural Resources Wales and Trading Standards.
The cross-border operation is part of a larger collaborative partnership, the Common Land Project, aiming to restore, maintain and protect the historic and working landscape across the area, ensuring that the custodianship can be passed to future generations.
Vans, transits and large vehicles were targeted and stopped at the roadside. Vehicle contents were checked for signs of illegal waste and drivers asked to produce the appropriate waste carrier licence and duty of care documentation.
The enforcement team interacted with 12 vehicles deemed suspicious on the commons and engaged with more than 20 drivers to spread the word and deter would-be fly-tippers in the Merthyr and Caerphilly common areas on Wednesday, August 15.
Councillor Kevin Gibbs, Merthyr council cabinet member for neighbourhood services, planning and countryside said: “We hope this successful operation on Merthyr Common will make fly-tippers think twice. We are now joining forces with our colleagues across the border in Caerphilly to broaden the net.”
Sergeant Neil Loveridge from South Wales Police added: “Fly-tipping is a crime and vehicle stop checks are an effective way for partner organisations to work together to catch persistent offenders and deter others. Our success here this week is testament to that.”
Jayne Carter, senior environmental project officer at Fly-tipping Action Wales, said: “The general public and local businesses also have an important role to play in helping us tackle fly-tipping together and our message to them is simple.
“If you choose to use a commercial waste collection company to take away unwanted large household items or commercial waste always check that it’s registered to do so using the Natural Resources Wales website and ask to see their licence number.
“This includes individuals and businesses that advertise on social media. This ensures that your waste doesn’t end up illegally dumped on our commons, mountain roads and other natural beauty spots.”
For advice about how to dispose of unwanted household or commercial items legally and responsibly, visit flytippingactionwales.org or search FtAWales on Facebook.