Residents fined over £12,000 for failing to clean up their waste

Seventeen residents in Blackburn with Darwen have been found guilty of waste offences and fined a total of £12,558.

The offences related to the failure to clear a build-up of waste outside residential properties. The cases were brought to court by the Council’s Environmental Waste Crime team, who investigate reports of waste crime across the borough.

The Council hopes that this not only sends a very clear message to would-be offenders but also shows residents that the Council takes waste offences seriously and will take action to protect our borough.

Councillor Jim Smith, Executive Member for Environment at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said:

These court cases show that the Council won’t let people get away with making a mess of their neighbourhoods by allowing piles of waste to build up outside their houses.  Not only do piles of waste look unsightly, they can cause bad smells and attract vermin, which can spread disease.  People need to take responsibility for their waste, if they don’t they could face large fines in court.  If you’re struggling to dispose of your waste, please contact the Council for help and advice, don’t just ignore it.  If you have a problem with a neighbour who is failing to dispose of their waste properly, you can contact our team anonymously to investigate further.

You can report a rubbish build-up on the Council’s website.

For help and advice relating to a build-up of rubbish at your property please contact our Cleansing Team: email cleansing@blackburn.gov.uk or call 01254 585585.

The Council also has a bulky item collection service, with prices starting from just £7.50.