Policy objectives
Fly-tipping
There are many ways to tackle fly-tipping and officers should use a range of options. These include:
- regular surveillance of areas prone to fly-tipping during warden routine patrols
- where suitable, CCTV should be installed either in a resident’s home or other suitable covert location
- evidence should be gathered from residents with a view to prosecuting offenders where appropriate
- anti-fly-tipping signs in areas prone to fly-tipping
- where possible, officers should work with landowners, landlords, managing agents and housing associations to implement preventative measures
- working with the Community Safety team to identify and recommend alleyways or areas prone to fly-tipping so they can be gated
- working with Community Safety team during community clean-ups
- for areas of small fly-tips, officers may remove the accumulation using a van
- where notices are served upon landowners, officers should ensure that the appropriate notice is served.
Litter
All areas of opened land to which the public have access can be enforced using arrange of options:
- patrols in areas where litter is a major problem, particularly where there are a number of food takeaway shops. Patrols should serve fixed penalty notices on individuals dropping litter
- patrols in parks where people are likely to feed the birds. Fixed penalty notices should be served on these individuals
- in areas or parks with “bird feeding” litter, signage should warn residents of the consequences of dropping litter
- talks at schools about the consequences of littering
- speaking to local community groups to encourage them not to feed birds in public areas
- use Street Litter Control Notices for High Streets and Litter Control areas for open areas of land prone to litter
- service of Fixed Penalty Notices on offenders throwing litter from vehicles.
Waste carriers
All commercial carries of waste must be licensed by the Environment Agency. Unlicensed waste carriers may be disposing of their waste illegally and therefore be contributing to the existing fly-tipping problem.
- When officers are arranging works in default, they must ensure that all contractors completing work on behalf of the team hold a Waste Carrier License.
- Officers should also consider arranging joint working with the Environment Agency to carry out stop checks on vehicles transporting waste to determine whether the company holds a Waste Carriers License.
Commercial waste disposal
All businesses that produce controlled waste have a duty to ensure that their waste is adequately stored and disposed of. Officers should apply the following when dealing with commercial waste:
- duty of care inspections will continue to be carried out for all businesses that produce waste
- Fixed Penalty Notices for business owners who are unable to produce satisfactory documentation for their waste disposal
- Fixed Penalty Notices should also be served upon businesses owners placing controlled waste on the public highway
- service of Notices under Section 47 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for business operators storing their waste in an inappropriate manner
Domestic waste
- Service of Notices under Section 4 of the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 on owners/occupiers of properties where accumulations are likely to attract or are providing harbourage for rats and mice.
- Services of Notices under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 on owners/occupiers of properties or land where accumulation are causing a nuisance from smells or flies.
- Service of Notices under Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act on owners/occupiers of residential properties where waste is being stored inadequately.
Partnership working
To deal with waste issues effectively, we work closely with other departments and agencies. Officers should:
- work with Community Safety Team on project work
- work with and offer advice to landowners and landlords for preventative measures
- work with the Planning Department to ensure new developments fulfil obligations on waste disposal
- work with Environmental Services, People 1st, and Slough Enterprise to ensure a holistic approach to problem areas
- work in partnership with other organisations who share our aims.
Communication and education
- Encourage residents to take community-level action on waste, e.g. community cleanups.
- Deliver education sessions to the borough’s schools, highlighting the importance of correct waste disposal.
- Use the Internet, Council publications, local press and media to promote Waste Management practices.
- Source good practice from other organisations and local authorities.