Merton Council is cracking down on people who dump rubbish in the borough as it increases enforcement activity in hotspot areas.
Enforcement officers will increase patrols in areas of the borough known for having rubbish left on the streets, to deter people from dumping black bags and household waste. Anyone caught dumping rubbish will be issued with a fixed penalty notice of up to £400 and could face prosecution.
Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for Local Environment and Green Spaces, Councillor Natasha Irons said: “Most of us are fed up with seeing black bags and household waste discarded on our streets and green spaces. Every penny we spend picking up this rubbish, could be used for vital services like social care for our most vulnerable residents.
“Our enforcement officers will be cracking down on these selfish people by issuing fines and in some serious cases they could face prosecution and a prison sentence.
“This action is being carried out as part of the council’s ‘Keep It Clean, Love Merton’ campaign and shows its commitment to use the full weight of the enforcement powers to protect the safety and quality of life of our residents.”
Fly tipping is a National issue and is not unique to Merton. Over the last 4 years, the council has seen the level of fly tipping almost double from 9,000 recorded incidents in 2017 to almost 16,000 last year, with an estimated cost of £900k to the public purse.
There is no need to dump rubbish of any kind in the borough. If you can’t manage to take your bulky waste to our household reuse and recycling centre at, 63-69 Amenity Way, Garth Road in Morden, residents can book collections of bulky waste, which in line with the majority other London boroughs, is chargeable.
If you suspect someone is involved in dumping rubbish, report it by visiting: merton.gov.uk/LoveMerton
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NOTES FOR EDITORS
Merton Council’s ‘Keep It Clean, Love Merton’ campaign is being run as part of the council’s drive to encourage residents and visitors to take pride in where they live, work and visit and dispose of their rubbish responsibly.
merton.gov.uk/LoveMerton