Corner-cutting removal firms have been blamed for a costly spate of fly-tipping incidents across Dundee but the crime could also cost unwary householders.
A flood of reports have been sent to the city council’s neighbourhood services department in recent weeks.
Waste of all kinds, including bulky household items such as white goods and furniture, has been dumped at a number of locations, with cowboy companies blamed.
The council is urging residents to use a “reputable” removal company when carrying out home improvement works.
And it has warned householders that they could be just as liable as the fly-tipper if they fail to check where their household waste is ending up.
That could lead to enforcement action and even fines, with financial penalties ranging from £200 to more than £40,000 depending on the seriousness of the offence.
Council figure show an average of more than six investigations into fly- tipping were carried out each day during 2015.
Councillor Vari McDonald, acting environment convener, told The Courier: “Fly-tipping is completely unacceptable and there is simply no excuse for anyone to dump their rubbish in this way.
“In 2015, the council investigated 2,406 complaints regarding fly tipping across the city.
“This includes reports about single, loose bags of domestic waste and single, small items, as well as bulkier items.
“No particular ‘hotspot’ areas have been identified by the council as fly-tipping is a city-wide issue.
“I would urge people to dispose of their waste either through the domestic waste collection service or at one of our recycling centres.
“If it is a bulkier item, people should make sure they are using a reputable company for removing it.”
Dundee City Council recommends that householders ensure that any company removing waste is a registered waste carrier. That can be double-checked via the Sepa public register.
The contractor must also be able to advise the householder where the waste will be taken for recycling or disposal.
A council spokeswoman said: “When householders use contractors or house clearance-type services they must ensure that they are hiring reputable traders who will properly and safely dispose of this material.
“If waste is subsequently found to have been fly-tipped you may share liability with the fly-tipper and be subject to enforcement action.”
The council said it would not be worthwhile to pinpoint specific problem sites as the problem is “city wide”.
The Scottish Government estimates that tackling fly-tipping nationally costs at least £53 million each year.