FIRMS are being targeted in the run up to Christmas as part of a crackdown on fly-tipping.

Medway Council's environmental enforcement team will be visiting traders to make sure they are disposing waste correctly.

The work is part of the council’s Banish Rubbish campaign to stamp out fly-tipping and make Medway a clean and green place for everyone to live and work in.

Company vehicles such as lorries and vans that are used to transport waste will also be checked.

Drivers whose vehicles are caught shedding trade waste on the road face a maximum penalty of £5,000, while illegal waste carriers face a fixed penalty of £300 or maximum penalty of £5,000 on conviction.

Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Front Line Services Cllr Phil Filmer said: “This campaign is part of our on-going commitment to ensure we maintain the environment for our customers.

"The vast majority of businesses dealing in the disposal of waste operate in a legal and professional manner.

"But we will enforce against those who cut corners or blatantly disregard the law.

“We want everyone to know that fly-tipping and rubbish dumping is not just unacceptable but illegal, so it’s vital we take a firm stance and tell people don’t dump your rubbish in Medway.’”

During the past year officers have issued 257 fixed penalty notices and successfully prosecuted 22 companies who failed to have the correct trade waste licence.

Members of the public are encouraged to call the council’s Environmental Enforcement team if they suspect someone is fly-tipping in Medway.

Call Customer First on 01634 333333; the Environment Agency on 0800 807060 or visit www.medway.gov.uk/banishrubbish

* Medway council will also removebulky items such as sofas, tables and mattresses removed homes free of charge.

Residents can have three items removed once every six months for free, and £15 there after.