TVBC obtained another successful fly tipping prosecution this week, and as a result are reminding residents that leaving garden waste, like tree cuttings, in verges, ditches or bushes is classed as fly-tipping.
This comes after a woman from Andover was ordered to pay a total of £406 after cutting back a tree on her property and leaving waste in a ditch close to her home.
Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) received multiple complaints about the cuttings being dumped.
Leaving garden waste in ditches can have a negative impact on watercourses, as it can cause blockings, reducing their effectiveness during wet weather.
This could lead to a number of issues, including flooding.
Anyone caught doing so will be prosecuted for fly-tipping.
There are different ways for people to dispose of their garden waste. You can either take it your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre for free or subscribe to the local authority’s garden waste collection scheme, by visitingwww.testvalley.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling.
Portfolio holder for environmental services, Councillor Nick Adams-King, said:
“Residents may think that dumping garden waste in already grassy areas isn’t that big of a deal, but it can have a negative impact on our environment. There are very simple ways of getting rid of this kind of waste, and there is no excuse for fly-tipping.
“Fly-tipping, no matter the size or location, is a criminal offence and we will make sure people found doing so face the consequences.”
