Beware scammers operating in Northamptonshire offering to take away rubbish for cash

Sick scammers are trying to cash in on the Covid-19 crisis by offering to clear away household waste.

All of Northamptonshire's council recycling centres closed on March 24 as part of the coronavirus lockdown.

That sparked a rise in reports of fly-tipping in some areas and a surge in firefighters tackling garden fires and out-of-control bonfire blazes as residents struggled to get rid of their rubbish.

Now, bogus callers are targeting householders with offers to take rubbish away in return for cash.

But County Council chiefs are warning those residents still face hefty punishments if their rubbish ends up being dumped.

Police seized a white Ford Transit van and arrested a man on suspicion of fly-tipping in Wellingborough last week.

Offenders can be jailed for up to five years or fined £50,000.

Cllr Jason Smithers, council cabinet member for highways and place, said: “We understand that the temporary closure of the recycling centres leaves Northamptonshire’s residents with fewer options for the disposal of their waste.

"But we are asking householders to store any extra waste they have until the sites can re-open.

“The closures have taken place in line with Government advice on only leaving home for essential journeys.

“People might be tempted to take up offers from people saying they will dispose of waste on their behalf but householders need to be very careful about this as the onus is on them to make sure it is disposed of properly.”

Legally, householders have a duty of care to ensure their waste is only removed from their property by registered waste carriers. People can check on a list of genuine waste carrier by searching the Environment Agency's website or calling them on 03708 506 506.

Fly-tipping in Northamptonshire already costs Council Tax payers more than £750,000 to deal with every year.