'Ignorance is no excuse': Inverclyde Council issues warning over fly-tipping

Inverclyde Council has urged culprits to cut out fly-tipping as it warned “ignorance is no excuse” in a no-nonsense statement.

The local authority has encountered particular problems with illegal dumping at neighbourhood recycling points (NRP) in the area of late.

It has reminded those responsible it now has the power to hand out £500 fines after the penalty imposed was increased from £200 by the Scottish Government earlier this year.

A council spokesperson fired in a strong statement: “Ignorance is no excuse.

“The signs are there and people know not to leave their rubbish where it doesn’t belong.

“We all want to take pride in Inverclyde but sadly a minority can spoil it for the majority.

“The £500 fixed penalty notice has been set by the Scottish Government to try and discourage people. The only alternative to a fine is prosecution – don’t risk it.”

Failure to pay a fine will result in a report being submitted to the procurator fiscal and possible prosecution as a result, the council said.

It has put up signs at NRPs to remind people that they could be penalised if they don’t dispose of rubbish properly.

The council explained this includes leaving it on the ground outside of a full bin, putting rubbish in the wrong recycling bin or dumping it where it doesn’t belong.

Staff have found dumped waste is often a mix of domestic, white van clearances and commercial waste from businesses.

“Fly-tipping is unsightly, unsanitary and can be dangerous for wildlife and we urge people to stop doing it,” the council spokesperson added.