Love Essex, a partnership of Essex councils and businesses, is re-launching its #CrimeNotToCare campaign to remind residents they could be adding to the fly-tipping problem, if they don’t comply with their duty of care to keep their waste out of the hands of rogue traders.

By carrying out the correct checks before handing your waste (anything from a sofa, black bags, mattresses, fridge freezers or building waste) to someone else to get rid of, will reduce the chance of it being fly-tipped.

Cllr. Michael Talbot said: “Fly-tipping across Essex is costing taxpayers’ money to clear up – money that could have been better spent on vital services. If you give your waste to someone else and it’s dumped, you could end up with an unlimited fine and a criminal record.”

During the course of 2017-18, a total number of 20,567 fly-tips were scattered across the county.

If you use a trader to remove your waste ask to see their Waste Carriers Registration Number issued by the Environment Agency

Ask for their waste carrier number and vehicle details and contact the Environment Agency for a free instant waste carrier check.

Ensure that you receive a transfer notice or receipt before your waste is taken away, and check where your waste is going.