‘Don’t get caught out’ – warning issued over private waste collections

Residents in Wyre are being warned to choose carefully before contacting private firms to dispose of their waste.

In the face of continuing fly-tipping issues across the North West, including Wyre, householders have been advised that if the firm they employ ends up fly-tipping, the customers could end facing liability.

And that could man a substantial fine of up to £1,000 having to be paid.

Preesall member, Cllr Collette Rushforth, raised the matter of fly-tipping at the latest full meeting of Wyre Council, asking about police and council efforts to tackle it.

She said: “It would be a good move to bring in a local licence for waste carriers. Some firms are unscrupulous and will just dump the stuff they’ve been paid to dispose of.”

She was told by Cllr Simon Bridge, the Street Scene, Parks and Open Spaces Portfolio Holder at Wyre Council, that it was difficult to catch people dumping waste such as rubble, unless caught by eye witnesses.

He added: “Black bin bags are easier because they tend to contain more evidence.
“It’s an important message for people to be aware of. If you pay an unknown operator and they dump it, you will be liable too.”
He said it was important to ensure the person or firm involved was a registered waste carrier.

Customers are legally responsible if the firm fly-tips, because under UK Householder Duty of Care laws, their rubbish remains their legal responsibility until it reaches a properly licensed disposal facility.

If a trader they hire then fly-tips it, the customer could face fines, prosecution, and a criminal record.
According to figures from Governmnt body DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) fly-tipping incidents on Wyre Council owned land has been falling over the past three recorded years.

Data shows there were 60 reported incidents in 2022/23; 50 in 2023/24 and just 20 in 2024/25.
Unlike the national trend, fly-tipping figures in Wyre have maintained a steady downward trajectory and remain significantly lower than the mean for the North West of England.

However, residents are still beng warned to be vigilent.

People can verify firms’ credentials using the Environment Agency Public Register.