In response to a media enquiry about a fly tip on Fen Road, the below statement was shared with the media. The team from South Cambridgeshire District Council has been to investigate the site, as it sits just within the South Cambridgeshire boundary. As it is on private land it is the responsibility of the landowner to remove the waste.
A spokesperson from Greater Cambridge Shared Waste, a shared service between Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “We hate flytipping just as much as our residents. It’s a national problem that affects people, animals and the countryside, and all because of a minority who choose to illegally dump their waste to save themselves money – making it someone else’s problem. Private landowners and councils have to cover the not insignificant costs of clearing up the mess – with the costs increasing in cases like this where there is asbestos present, which will need to be cleared up responsibly by a specialist contractor. There is just no excuse for it.
“Both councils regularly work to try and prevent flytipping. A big part of this is by raising awareness of what we can all do to help. With over 60% of flytips coming from household waste, it’s the responsibility of each of us to ensure we don’t hire people to clear waste who are not properly licensed. You can check whether a waste carrier is licensed on the Environment Agency’s website. A reputable company also won’t mind you asking to see their permit, or asking them where they will take your rubbish.
“We also rely on residents reporting flytipping. So, if you see flytipping taking place, you can report it to the Police as an environmental crime. If you spot a flytip that’s already taken place, please report it to the relevant council so that our teams can investigate for evidence to help track down whoever has dumped the waste, and clear it up where appropriate.”
The executive councillor leading on this matter for Cambridge City Council is Rosy Moore (Labour), Executive Councillor for Environment, Climate Change and Biodiversity. Spokespersons from the other political groups on this issue are Cllr Olaf Hauk (Liberal Democrat), and Cllr Hannah Copley (Green/Independent Group). Or find information about contacting South Cambridgeshire District Council's councillors.
