Not making sure waste was disposed of properly has cost a local roofing company dearly.

The company has been issued with a fixed penalty and made to pay clean-up costs of over £650 for failing to ensure waste produced from the reroofing of a property was disposed of properly.

A large quantity of roofing material was found fly tipped in November by a member of the public near Aisthorpe, along with details of an address in Lincoln. 

After investigations by officers, it was found the property in question had recently installed a new roof. Officers were then able to locate the roofing contractor who had undertaken the work. The contractor was called into the Guildhall in Gainsborough and admitted that he had employed a third party to remove the waste. 

More digging uncovered the fact the third party was not properly licensed or registered to carry and dispose of waste. 

Because of this, the roofer was unable to prove where his waste had ultimately ended up. He was promptly issued with a fixed penalty for £300 for failing to produce documentation under Section 34A Environmental Protection Act 1990 & Regulation 4 Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991 (as amended). 

The roofer has also been instructed to pay the council’s clean-up costs of £356.94. If this is not paid, the maximum penalty at court is a fixed penalty of £5,000.

The council is now working alongside the Environment Agency to pursue prosecution of the third party, who is thought to be operating an unlicensed waste facility in the district.

Nigel Periam, environmental protection officer at WLDC explains it is vital both businesses and residents can show how and where their waste is being disposed of. He adds:

“There are significant penalties applicable for failing to do so. Anyone carrying or disposing of waste for commercial gain must be properly registered and issue relevant paperwork to prove where the waste is being taken to. 

“To prevent unsightly fly tipping and a possible penalty, anyone can easily check the credentials of carriers. You can either make sure directly with the Environment Agency or via the District Council before handing over waste.”

Councillor Owen Bierley, Chairman of the council’s Prosperous Communities Committee said:

“We have to send the message out that fly-tipping is a harmful and unacceptable thing to do in West Lindsey, or indeed anywhere. Our officers have proved that if you are caught committing this nuisance act, we will pursue prosecution and offenders will be punished. 

“Officers and residents work hard to keep the district looking clean and tidy and those who challenge this should be aware robust consequences await.”

To report fly tipping or incidents of waste to West Lindsey District Council, call 01427 676676 or email [email protected].