A new campaign ‘Report it; Check it; Do it’ calls on people living in Enfield to help the Council tackle the illegal dumping of rubbish.

Tips on how to help come with the campaign.

First, if dumped waste is seen or someone is spotted illegally throwing rubbish away people are urged to report it online at https://new.enfield.gov.uk/services/rubbish-and-recycling/rubbish-and-litter/fly-tipping-and-litter/ which can be done anonymously.

Second, make sure rubbish is disposed of responsibly.

This involves checking that household waste goes into the black wheelie bin, recyclable material goes into the blue lidded bin and green waste goes into the green lidded bin.

Third, recycle card, paper, glass jars, plastic tubs and bottles and tin making sure leftover food or liquid has been rinsed out beforehand.

Barrowell Green Recycling accepts other types of waste while charities collect furniture, white goods and bulky items by appointment.

Furthermore, Enfield Council arranged a ‘Give and Take Day’ on February 11 with its partners so people could exchange household goods they no longer wanted.

On February 24 a similar Swish and Style quality clothes swapping event is planned.

Clearing up illegally dumped rubbish costs taxpayers £800,000 per year, equivalent to £15,384.

Cllr Daniel Anderson, Enfield Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “Our enforcement and street cleansing teams work tirelessly seeking to keep our public areas clean, tidy and hospitable, but unfortunately an irresponsible minority chooses to act criminally with little regard for other Enfield residents by dumping their rubbish on our streets.

“We have had to make some extremely difficult decisions of late in order to dramatically reduce costs as a result of substantial funding cuts imposed by central government.

“Since 2010, we have had to cut £161 million from our budget, but yet still need to make a further £35 million of cuts by 2019/2020.

“£800,000 is close to what a 1 percent increase in council tax would bring.

“Imagine then what projects or services this could find.

“Enfield Council will therefore not hesitate to prosecute anyone who flouts the law by ruining our environment.”