Residents warned not to dump waste

Archived press release

Date Published: 05/12/08

Garden waste dumped at the back of Sandhurst Drive in Buckingham

Aylesbury Vale District Council is urging residents to do the right thing in disposing of their garden clippings.

The call comes after piles of grass and shrub cuttings were dumped at the back of Sandhurst Drive in Buckingham.

Councillor Sir Beville Stanier, the Cabinet Member for Environment and Health, expressed his disappointment over the fly-tipped waste, which will cost hundreds of pounds to remove.

“Dumping of garden waste is illegal and causes a range of issues, not just for the council but for adjacent residents as well,” said Councillor Stanier. “Some of the issues include the spreading of noxious weeds, increased fire risk and creation of ideal hiding and breeding places for rats and mice.

“Residents are asked to act responsibly by composting their green waste on their properties for use on gardens, or taking it to their nearest Household Waste site.”

People caught dumping rubbish illegally can be arrested, fined up to £50,000, be imprisoned and get a criminal record. If a householder or business fails to make the necessary checks when disposing of their waste they could be fined up to £5,000.

Councillor Stanier added: “We will not tolerate people ignoring the law that is there to protect the majority of residents who wish to live in a clean and healthy neighbourhood. There is no need for anyone to use our streets as dumping grounds.”

Garden waste can be collected if it is in a green bag that has been purchased from the district council. Green bags are available from district and some parish council offices at a cost of 45p for two.

AVDC supports a county-wide scheme that promotes composting and provides composters to local residents at a discounted price. Composters of different sizes are available through the scheme to cater for different household requirements.

Residents who do not wish to purchase a composter can take their garden waste to the Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRC) in Rabans Close, Aylesbury, and Yonder Slade, Buckingham. These sites accept general waste and recyclables from domestic premises, free of charge – including garden waste and grass cuttings.

Anyone wanting to report fly-tipping or littering should call 01296 585395 or email gduguid@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

For information on recycling garden waste, visit www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/environment or call 01296 585862.