THE council has a duty and is responsible for clearing away all fly-tipping, waste and rubbish from all public highways, council owned land and property.
These cleaning costs are included in rental arrangements for tenants living in council accommodation.
Under the Public Health Act 1936 and Environmental Protection Act 1990 all landowners and occupiers are responsible for ensuring their land is kept clear of rubbish or any waste,and for the removal of any fly-tipping.
The council carries out regular inspections and serves notices to owners to clean up the land.
If they fail do so, the council will carry out the works and re-charge the owner or occupiers.
The council does, however, take into consideration elderly and disabled residents who are unable to dispose of the waste themselves and, where appropriate,can put residents in touch with agencies such as Age Concern who may be able to assist.
Community PayBack has also assisted in clearance of land occupied by disabled residents. Residents however will still be required to contribute to the disposal costs of the rubbish.
Fly-tipping is illegal and under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 it is illegal to drop litter or dump any waste or rubbish on private or public land.
Those who fly-tip could find themselves having to pay up to £50,000, face imprisonment or both.
Hillingdon is one of the top councils in the country for prosecuting fly-tipping, and the council has been ranked fourth out of a total of 340 councils across England and Wales for successfully pursuing those caught fly-tipping.
If you see or have information about anyone fly-tipping please call the council's customer contact centre on 01895 556000 with the date, location and, if possible,vehicle registration.
For information or advice call 01895 556 920 or email eet@hillingdon.gov.uk
KATHY SPARKS
Director of environment and consumer protection
Hillingdon Council
