Shoppers and workers were stopped in their tracks today by a fly-tip staged in a city centre as part of a campaign.

Waste was ‘dumped’ in St Peter’s Street in St Albans to raise awareness of disposing waste legally.

Country lanes near St Albans and Harpenden are often regularly targeted by fly tippers to the frustration of authorities and drivers.

The fly tip stunt was organised by St Albans City and District Council in support of Hertfordshire Fly Tipping Group’s campaign to reduce fly-tipping.

If people fail to take steps to ensure their waste is properly disposed of, and it’s later found in a fly-tip, they could end up being prosecuted or fined.

To avoid this, the campaign asks everyone to follow the S.C.R.A.P fly-tipping checklist and to use an authorised waste carrier when arranging one-off collections of waste.

In addition, it reminds people that dumping bags of household waste outside a charity shop, next to a bin or alongside a recycling bank is also fly-tipping.

Cllr Frances Leonard, responsible for the environment at St Albans City and District Council, said: “If it’s your waste, it’s your responsibility to dispose of it properly. Help us reduce fly-tipping and follow the S.C.R.A.P fly-tipping checklist if you are having a clear out. If you are hiring someone to take your rubbish away, make sure they are registered. Alternatively, you can take excess waste to a Household Waste Recycling Centre or book a special collection with the council.”

The S.C.R.A.P fly-tipping checklist says:

• Suspect all waste carriers; do not let them take any waste until they have proven themselves to be legitimate.

• Check the waste carrier’s registration details, then verify them by searching the Environment Agency’s website or by calling 03708 506 506.

• Refuse unsolicited offers to have any rubbish taken away.

• Ask what exactly is going to happen to the rubbish and seek evidence that it is going to be disposed of appropriately.

• Paperwork should be obtained, such as a proper invoice, waste transfer note or a receipt for your waste removal. This should describe the waste and provide the waste carrier’s contact details.