Huge pile of domestic waste found on Putney Park Lane

A Putney man could face court action following the discovery of a large flytip in Putney Park Lane yesterday afternoon (23 May).

A huge pile of domestic waste including a carpet, a microwave, a folding bed and unwanted plastic baskets were found along with more than a dozen binbags.

Officers in Wandsworth’s parks police service attended the scene and their subsequent investigation led them to the front door of a local resident.

A full dossier of evidence will now be examined by the council’s legal team and could lead to the resident being summonsed to appear in court.

The maximum penalty that can be imposed by the courts following conviction for a serious flytip offence is an unlimited fine and/or a prison sentence of up to five years.

Residents wanting rubbish cleared can call the town hall on (020) 8871 8558. The council will remove waste for a modest fee. If households choose a licensed private contractor instead they must make sure they get a proper receipt.

People having work done on their properties should always check with their builders and any other contractors precisely how they will be disposing of any waste materials. They should be extremely wary of people knocking on their doors unannounced and offering to take away their rubbish.

Cowboy waste contractors often drive around residential areas looking for homes that are being refurbished or cleared. They will approach the owner and offer to take “junk” away for a cut price rate.

But instead of taking it to a proper waste disposal site and paying the appropriate fees, they simply dump it somewhere nearby – often in parks or other open spaces – leaving taxpayers to foot the clean-up bill.

In these cases it is not just the flytipper who is committing a crime – the householder who paid them to take their waste away is also liable under the law.

Anyone with information about rubbish being dumped should telephone (020) 8871 6396 or email flytipwitness@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk. All information will be treated in confidence.

This is the second flytipping in West Putney this week - Shocking flytipping on Willow Farm Lane.

May 24, 2018