A joint operation between Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC) and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council has targeted fly-tipping on common land that separates the two counties.
Waste enforcement officers from both counties were joined by officers from Gwent and South Wales police forces, Fly-tipping Action Wales, Natural Resources Wales and Trading Standards on took place on the evening of Wednesday, August 15..
The operation was part of the Common Land Project, a collaborative partnership aiming to restore, maintain and protect the historic and working landscape across the area.
Starting at farmland near Bedwellty, officers targetting vans and large vehicles, checking contents for signs of illegal waste and asking drivers to produce the appropriate waste carrier licence and duty of care documentation.
Cllr Eluned Stenner, CCBC’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection, said: “We’ve seen a noticeable drop in fly-tipping incidents on the Common as a result of our recent stop check activity in partnership with Gwent Police.
“It’s clearly making fly-tippers think twice. That’s why we’re now joining forces with our colleagues in Merthyr to broaden the net.”
Jayne Carter, Senior Environmental Project Officer at Fly-tipping Action Wales, said: “The general public and local businesses have an important role to play in helping us tackle fly-tipping together and our message to them is simple.
“If you choose to use a commercial waste collection company to take away unwanted large household items or commercial waste always check that it’s registered to do so using the Natural Resources Wales website and ask to see their license number.
“This includes individuals & businesses that advertise on social media. This ensures that your waste doesn’t end up illegally dumped on our commons, mountain roads and other natural beauty spots.”
For advice on how to dispose of unwanted household or commercial items legally and responsibly, visit flytippingactionwales.org.