A NEW study has revealed that fly-tipping in Hart could cost the council over £30,000 a year.

A national survey by Right Waste, Right Place’ found that more than half of businesses surveyed in the region say they don’t know where all of their waste goes and that there were over 600 fly-tipping incidents in Hart during a year.

They say that the cost of fly-tipping could potentially cost the local authority nearly £32,500.

By not complying, they add that businesses risk waste falling into the hands of criminals, leading to environmental, health and safety risks through fly-tipping and illegal disposal.

Putting the wrong waste in the wrong place can also cause problems with contamination of material destined for recycling, potentially costing businesses money.

Sam Corp, head of regulation at the ESA, commented: “Our study showed there were over 600 fly-tipping incidents reported in Hart last year. At the same time nearly half of businesses in the South East told us that they’re unsure where the waste goes when it leaves them. 

“Our survey results back up what we suspected, that small businesses really want to do the right thing but many are ultimately not complying with the law. 

“Dealing with your waste can fall down the list of priorities when busy, but business people in Hart need to realise that they are risking significant penalties if they do not comply.

“The ‘Right Waste, Right Place’ campaign is here to help.  Small business owners in Hart and across the UK are often stretched, multi-tasking and under pressure. 

“Our campaign provides valuable and easy-to-understand materials that will help them put good practices in place that protect them from breaking the law.”

Those offenders caught fly-tipping could face fines of up to £50,000 and 12 months in jail in magistrates’ court or a five-year sentence and unlimited fine in crown court.

Steve Forster, Cabinet member for environment and technical services, said: “It’s great to see that these organisations are working together to proactively educate and inform local businesses of their duty to dispose of waste correctly and to comply with the law.

“Clearing fly-tipping is a costly process and we proactively investigate any reporting of fly-tipping made to the council and actively seek to prosecute those who are involved. I encourage anyone who witnesses any fly tipping to report it online via hart.fixmystreet.com or by calling us on 01252 622122.

“Don’t forget to take note of the details of the incident, including a vehicle registration number, and to take photographs if safe to do so.”

For more details about the ‘Right Waste, Right Place’ campaign, visit rightwasterightplace.com.