Brentwood Borough Council has issued a reminder to residents about making sure they dispose of waste in the correct way. 

The council has advised if you are having work done on your property, to make sure you or your builder dispose of the waste in the right way - as evidence could lead to you being fined.

If an unlicensed trader collects your materials, they may charge you but then dump them somewhere to avoid paying tipping charges - so ensure you ask to see their licence first.

The advice comes as two separate households were issued with formal cautions by Brentwood Borough Council's Environmental Health Team after giving their waste to unauthorised people for disposal.

The waste was then found fly-tipped on land on Chelmsford Road, Shenfield. Both residents believed the men were from a proper disposal company as they had matching polo shirts with logos, but this was not the case.

The Council is reminding residents:

• Be vigilant about who you give your waste to for disposal to ensure it isn't fly-tipped

• An authorised person will be able to show you a waste carrier's licence

• You should insist on seeing the waste carrier licence before handing over your waste

• You should be provided with a written description of the waste, which should be kept as proof of the transfer as well as the name and address of the waste carrier.

Alternatively, you can take large items to the Essex County Council recycling centres, or use Brentwood Council's collection and disposal service.

There is a minimum charge of £20 and the cost will depend on the number and type of items.

To arrange the collection and disposal service, you can call Brentwood Council on 01277 312500.

Brentwood Borough Council’s, Chair of the Environment Committee, Councillor Chris Hossack, said: “If you are having work done on your property, make sure you or your builder dispose of the rubbish properly, the evidence found could lead to a fine.

If an unlicensed trader collects your materials, they may choose to dump them somewhere to avoid paying tipping charges - so ensure you ask to see their licence.

Fly-tipping is a serious crime and the possibility is that you could be held responsible if it is traced back to you."

Anyone who witnesses fly-tipping can report it by calling the Council on 01277 312500 or the Environmental Agency 0800 807060 (incident hotline) and giving as much information as you can.