During the lockdown period, it was reported that cases of reported fly-tipping cases increased by 300%. Fly-tipping is a real problem for many people, if you fall victim to fly-tipping on your private property then the cost of removal will fall down to you. If someone chooses to fly-tip on public property then the cost ultimately falls to the taxpayer, as the council will need to remove this themselves. If you have fallen victim to fly-tipping then your local council actively encourage reporting it to them, although the cost of removal may fall to you, they'll still want to investigate and will look to prosecute to prevent this happening again.

As a result of the whole country being put into lockdown, this meant that the local tips were also shut to the public. Couple this with the fact that people were completing their own DIY jobs at home, meant that the demand for waste removal increased. Unfortunately, unlicensed waste carriers exploit this increase in demand with low prices and dispose of the waste, illegally, by fly-tipping.

Unlicensed waste carriers are more likely to dispose of waste illegally to avoid the charges to dispose of the waste correctly. When these unlicensed companies choose to dispose of the waste this way, the consequences to the environment and pollution is huge. It's important, now more than ever, that this waste is disposed of safely and correctly. The cost of removing this waste can vary dependant on what it is that's been thrown out if the waste is hazardous then the cost to remove this can be huge.

It can be difficult to know if the waste carrier you've hired is licensed so here are some tips to prevent your waste from being disposed of incorrectly:

• Don't be afraid to ask questions, any respectable waste carrier will be happy to answer your questions about where your waste is going.

• Ask for details of their waste carrier registration, you can then check this by searching Environmental Agency's Public Register of Waste Carriers or you can call 03708 506 506

• Record the vehicle registration numbers of any vehicle used by a private waste carrier to take your waste away. If you do fall victim to fly-tipping then this added information will help the investigators.

• Get more than one quote and expect to pay a reasonable fee. The fees that legitimate waste carriers have to pay to dispose of the waste that they collect is not cheap. An offer which is a low price often suggests that corners are being cut.

It's important to remember to ALWAYS ask for the waste carrier number and if you're in doubt then you can check their details with the Environment Agency, you could face up to a £5000 fine if you don't and your waste ends up being disposed of incorrectly.