More than 100 fly-tippers have been issued with maximum £400 fines in Sandwell over the past 18 months as the council battles to fight the illegal dumping of rubbish across the borough.

The council’s rapid enforcement team has fined 103 illegal tippers for dumping a huge range of rubbish across the borough’s six towns. Councillor Elaine Costigan, cabinet member for public health and protection, said:

“The new team and the placing of cameras in hotspots are making a real difference and reinforcing the message that we will not tolerate the illegal dumping of rubbish.

“In some parts of the country there has been criticism of councils who have not used enough of the £400 fines but in Sandwell we are taking a very tough line.

“Irresponsible fly-tipping is unsightly and anti-social and there really is no excuse for dumping rubbish on our streets and open spaces.

“I am confident that our strong actions and warnings will help to beat the fly-tippers and reduce an unnecessary financial burden on the council taxpayers.”

Councillor Costigan said it was amazing what rubbish was dumped around the borough, including furniture, domestic rubbish, building materials, car parts, furniture and carpets.

She said there was no excuse for flytipping because Sandwell still provided weekly bin collections, the tip in Shidas Lane, Oldbury, is open seven days a week and there’s a bulky waste collection service.

The enforcement team also provides information and advice to residents on how to appropriately dispose of their waste.

Householders also face prosecution and an unlimited fine if they give their waste to someone who then illegally dumps it. Always ask where they are taking it and to see their waste carrier’s licence.