BOLTON Council has warned against using private disposal services offering to take rubbish away during the coronavirus crisis.

As flytipping increases across the borough, the local authority is reminding residents that they have a legal responsibility to check that rubbish removers have the correct licence.

Cllr Adele Warren, executive cabinet member for environmental services, said: “There are unscrupulous people who will take your waste away for cash and then flytip it.

“We know that some residents may be struggling with managing their rubbish during this pandemic but please do not use these services - there is nowhere available for the safe and hygienic disposal of extra waste.

“If your waste ends up being flytipped and it is traced back to you, both you and the people who disposed of it illegally will be liable for prosecution.”

The warning comes after the council announced that they will not be able to clear all flytipping at the moment.

A lack of staff, social distancing practices, and the possibility of contamination mean it “will not be possible” to clean up all incidents.

Priority is being given to incidents were there is a potential risk to public health or safety, which depends on the content and size of the rubbish dumped.

Residents are asked to hang on to bulky waste until tips reopen, and reminded that leaving anything outside the tip is considered flytipping.

Cllr Warren added: “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during these unprecedented times.

“Our teams are doing their best to clean up any flytipped waste, but unfortunately we have got fewer staff working due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“Also, the need to comply with social distancing guidance and the threat of infection means it is just not possible at the moment to remove all dumped waste.”

All reports of flytipping will be recorded, and when possible, teams will be clearing them up.

Priority will be given to larger incidents and waste piles that contain potentially dangerous materials.

Flytipping is an offence liable to a fine of up to £50,000 or 12 months' jail from a magistrate. Crown Court judges can up that punishment to five years in prison.