WARNING ON FLY TIPPING

People who carry out such acts can be prosecuted and face heavy penalties.

Lewes District Council Lead Member for the Environment, Councillor Julie Carr, said:

'We take fly-tipping very seriously and we investigate all instances of this extremely anti-social behaviour.

'Cleaning up costs taxpayers' money and we are keen that this is spent instead on improving our communities.

'Lewes District Council has a dedicated team dealing with this and other environmentally damaging activities like graffiti, dog fouling and abandoned vehicles.

'Operating the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act, the 'Clean and Green' team has powers to issue penalty notices to law breakers and to ensure that the community remains tidy and safe.'

Fly-tipping is a criminal offence with a maximum fine of 25,000 or up to five years in prison.

Lewes District Council would like to remind residents and businesses that waste can only be deposited at officially authorised sites.

Taking bulk items like garden and home improvement rubbish to an official tip is free of charge to householders, whereby businesses are subject to landfill tax. Bulky household items (like large furniture or washing machines) can be collected by the Lewes District Council refuse department from residents' homes at a charge.

Fridges and freezers are dealt with as hazardous items and are collected separately and treated before being disposed of to depollute them of ozone.

To report fly-tipping please call 01273 484999.