By Cillian Doyle.
Illegal dumping is an offence that can result in a fine of €5,000 and/or 12 months in jail.
That's the warning from Waterford County Council as 'flytipping' and rubbish dumping in public places continues to be an issue.
There has been a rise in illegal dumping of waste on country roads and scenic sites in recent months.
Niall Kane from the Environmental department in Waterford County council says this waste has generally been taken from skips outside houses.
He says if you see someone taking or leaving rubbish in your skip, take details and report it immediately:
'If you have a skip, make sure it's reported if you see someone interfering with the skip or interfering with the waste.'
'They are responsible for their waste until it is properly recycled, they still have a level responsibility if somebody takes it and then illegally dumps it.'
When people hire a skip or 'man with a van' to take their rubbish away, they are still responsible for the legal and correct disposal of their property.
Niall Kane also says people need to be more vigilant and report suspected misconduct:
'If somebody is illegally dumping waste they can be prosecuted under the Waste Management Act.'
'The maximum fine is €5,000 and/or 12 months in jail.'
'Don't have skips outside for an extensive amount of time, get it emptied when it's full, don't leave it there to allow people to interfere with it.'
