Two fly-tippers have been fined hundreds of pounds for dumping piles of rubbish and furniture in Sunderland.
Sofas, chairs, black bags and carpets were dumped behind Mainsforth Terrace West, Hendon, and were reported to Sunderland City Council’s neighbourhood enforcement team earlier this month.
They managed to trace the rubbish back to a property on Mainsforth Terrace West using evidence found in the waste.
The perpetrator was interviewed under caution, admitted to depositing the waste in the back lane and was fined £350.
In the same week, the team responded to a report of around 20 black bags of general household waste fly-tipped in Millfield.
Evidence found in the waste led them to a residential property on Chester Road where the perpetrator was issued a £400 fine.
If the fines are not paid within agreed timescales, the case will be referred to court.
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "Fly-tipping is illegal and we know from our recent Let’s Talk consultations that residents want to see us clamp down on this kind of anti-social behaviour.
"The vast majority of our residents take pride in their communities and do the right thing when it comes to waste and recycling but there are always a few who spoil it for everyone else.
"I hope these fines will show that we take fly-tipping seriously and act as a deterrent to anyone who considers dumping their rubbish instead of disposing of it properly.
"I'd also like to thank all the residents who take the time to report fly-tipping when they see it. This not only allows us to remove the waste but where possible to track down those responsible and take action against them."
You can report fly-tipping at https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/report-flytipping
To book a bulky waste collection visit: https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/bulky-waste
