Bring-bank fly-tippers face bill, fine and jail

A CRACKDOWN on fly-tipping at recycling sites is under way. And one person is already counting the cost as Public Services vows to send anyone identified a clean-up bill.

The culprit left a black bag at the Salerie.

It was photographed and then opened - a name and address were found inside.

'We would like to take this opportunity to warn anyone against fly-tipping as we will be investigating each case and a charge will be incurred when the offenders are located,' said Public Services minister Bill Bell.

'It's a shame that these measures have to be taken, but unfortunately it's the only way to stop the innocent taxpayer from footing the bill.'

Recycling officer Keith Russell said that when fly- tipping happened, somebody had to go from States Works to clean up.

'We will charge for that, about £30. The next stage would be to start discussion about a prosecution under the Refuse Disposal Ordinance,' said Mr Russell.

The department was going to talk to the police whether to prosecute the Salerie offender.

Offenders face a maximum fine of £2,500 and up to three months in prison.

'It's an annoyance and it's important to do something before things get out of hand.'

There have been cases brought under the legislation in the past, he said.

'If we can find offenders, prosecution could be forthcoming - it's in everybody's interests to keep the island tidy.'

With other staff members, Mr Russell has been surveying all the recycling sites to assess how full the banks are and the condition they are in.

With signs fading on some, he is set to make a request to the department to put in new ones.

He also wants to see refuse bins for things such as bottle tops that have to be removed for recycling and somewhere for people to put plastic bags.

'The information we have is that two thirds are tidy and in good condition - it's generally the bigger sites that look untidy.'