Proper waste carriers do not use free household waste recycling centres. They must take their waste to commercial recycling centres where everything is weighed and charged accordingly. With added costs for items which are more difficult to recycle, such as mattresses and fridges.

It is often the case that customers look for bargains when in need of waste disposal. Not realising how much it costs to dispose of the waste. Rogue waste carriers then offer to take the customer’s waste at unrealistic prices. Meaning the work can only become profitable if the waste is fly tipped.

Leaving the customer unaware that they are now liable for fly tipped waste, if it is traced back to them.

A Barnsley resident was caught dumping numerous items, including a bathroom suite, on Chapel Lane in Thurnscoe. He was fined £320, ordered to pay £1744.50 in charges for related offences and had 2 vehicles crushed.

A Barnsley couple were linked to numerous rubbish bags being dumped on Sandy Bridge Lane, Shafton. They were issued a £400 fine.

Another Barnsley man was caught accepting waste removal jobs on Facebook then dumping the waste near Park Spring Road, Grimethorpe. He was sentenced to a 12-month community order and 200 hours of unpaid work.

1. Ensure that the person taking your waste has a waste carriers license. But this is not enough. There have been incidents where people with a license have been caught fly tipping. With this in mind, be sure to get a copy of the details on the license.
   
   This means that if the waste is fly tipped and traced back to you, you have evidence of who committed the crime.

2. Be realistic about price. The reason items such as mattresses and fridges are seen fly tipped so often is because they carry extra charges. Account for the cost of the waste, running of a vehicle, staff wages, business costs etc. Ask yourself if you genuinely believe your waste is going to a recycling station.
   
   If it seems too good to be true then it probably is.

3. Be sure to tell the waste carrier that you expect a copy of the waste transfer note. This document proves a legal and ethical disposal and guarantees your waste was disposed of properly.
   
   Where possible, always use a reputable company.

Barnsley council have a great system for reporting fly tipping in their areas.

Click here to get started.

Below is a map of ongoing fly tipping issues courtesy of barnsely.gov.uk