RESIDENTS in Suffolk are today being warned to use reputable companies to dispose of their waste.Government regulations, which come into force today, mean local authorities will be able to take action against anyone who does not take reasonable measures to ensure their waste is passed to an authorised carrier for disposal.

RESIDENTS in Suffolk are today being warned to use reputable companies to dispose of their waste.

Government regulations, which come into force today, mean local authorities will be able to take action against anyone who does not take reasonable measures to ensure their waste is passed to an authorised carrier for disposal.

The household duty of care regulations place the responsibility of waste disposal in the hands of the householder, and are being introduced in a bid to stamp out illegal dumping and cowboy waste disposal businesses.

Jo Hart, technical officer for Babergh District Council, said: “We have investigated several cases of fly-tipping where residents have paid unknown third parties to dispose of waste on their behalf, only for that waste to be illegally fly-tipped.

“The new legislation puts the onus back onto the householder as they can be prosecuted if evidence found at fly-tipping sites is traced back to them.

“Don't ever arrange for someone to take your waste without seeing a copy of their Environment Agency waste carrier registration, or checking them out first - as it could cost you dearly.”

Under the new legislation householders can face prosecution, or a fine of up to £5,000, if it is proven they did not take reasonable measures to ensure their waste was passed on to an authorised person.

People are advised to use household waste and recycling sites, where possible to ensure their waste is correctly disposed of.

The Environment Agency's website contains a comprehensive list of all companies registered to dispose of waste, www.environment-agency.gov.uk/publicregister.

Alternatively telephone 08708 506506 for a lost of registered companies.

N Do you know a fly-tipping hotspot? Write to: Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.