Emmaus Colchester warns how illegal fly tipping threatens the work of the charity. With refuse centres closed during Covid-19, the Colchester charity that supports those who have previously experienced homelessness, has witnessed a higher level of fly tipping at one of its sites in the town centre.
Denise King, CEO at Emmaus Colchester said: “We want people to be mindful of what fly tipping means to us as a charity. We have to pay to dispose of the rubbish which diverts money from supporting our companions. It’s funds that can be spent on providing food and essential support to help them get back on their feet.”
In a news article published last September, supporting Recycle Now’s Recycle Week campaign, we reported that one skip of rubbish costs Emmaus Colchester £800 to dispose of.
“That’s a huge cost to us as a charity”, Denise comments, “Not just financially, but in the time we need to dedicate to reporting fly tipping incidents, putting evidence together for prosecutions and in the physical disposal of the rubbish.”
Emmaus Colchester reports all fly tipping incidents to Colchester Borough Council and provides evidence through CCTV footage to support cases put forward for prosecution. Those found guilty are liable to a fine or court action.