Two vehicles used to flytip waste have been seized by the council in the first week of a newly adopted strategy to combat waste crime.
The council is authorised to seize vehicles being used for waste crimes such as fly-tipping or if the vehicle is being used by an unregistered waste carrier.
Both registered keepers of the vehicles will now be prosecuted and, if convicted, the council will take ownership of the vehicles under the new rules.
These powers are under the Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Cllr Sue Haworth, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said:
“Rogue waste carriers operate by charging residents for the collection of black bags, house clear-outs and garden cleaning services before flytipping the waste.
“Flytipping blights communities and this council is committed to eradicating waste crime from our borough.
“The seizure of vehicles is another way to deter persistent offenders.
“I also want to remind residents of their legal duty to ensure if they pay someone to remove their waste, that they have a license to do so.
“Using an unlicensed waste carrier can land residents with a £600 fine.”
Waste removal companies must have a licence.
This can be checked this searching online for the ‘Register of Waste Carriers, brokers and dealers’ Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers (data.gov.uk)