RESIDENTS who dump waste next to litter bins in Colchester have been warned they could be fined for flytipping. 

Concerns have been raised about people dumping rubbish next to overflowing bins in Myland in recent weeks. 

Colchester Council's waste boss and Myland councillor Martin Goss has reminded people they could be slapped with a fixed penalty notice if caught. 

Mr Goss said: “Using public litter bins for household rubbish and recycling is constituted as fly tipping.

“Some residents seem to think using public litter bins is their divine right as part of their own personal household waste collection service.

“The message is clear, flytip at your peril and suffer the legal consequences."

The charge for fly tipping in Colchester is £400The charge for fly tipping in Colchester is £400 (Image: Martin Goss) A spokesperson for Colchester Council said: “The council is committed to taking strong action against those responsible for flytipping, but we also need the public's help.

“If you come across flytipping, please do not touch it.

“Instead, report it to your local neighbourhood team and it will be cleared and investigated.

“You can find their contact information on the council's website.

“Our neighbourhood teams always investigate reported fly-tipping incidents and gather evidence.

“If we can prove that individuals are responsible, we will issue a fine or take them to court in serious cases. 

"Leaving your rubbish next to an already full bin is still flytipping, and household waste should not be placed in public bins.

“Residents are reminded to recycle as much as they can at home, and that if they are in a household that is exceeding their black bag or wheelie bin waste limit and are recycling as much as they can, they can apply for a Waste Limit Exemption on the council website.

“There are many other ways to dispose of waste legally and responsibly.

“To help prevent flytipping, only use a registered waste carrier to dispose of your waste.

“Take your waste to a recycling centre and do not leave it on the side of the road or in public areas.
“Please report any flytipping incidents to the council.

“By working together, we can keep our historic city clean and free of fly-tipping.”

For more information, visit colchester.gov.uk/fixed-penalty-notices/