PEOPLE across Dudley borough have been warned to be on their guard as illegal waste carriers are plying for trade on Facebook.

Environment bosses at Dudley Council have uncovered a number of incidents where people have been duped into paying for their waste to be removed via the social media network.

But instead of disposing of the haul properly, the unscrupulous firms or individuals are dumping the waste – risking a £5,000 fine for themselves and the unsuspecting resident.

There have been three incidents in Dudley, one in Brierley Hill and one in Netherton where residents have fallen foul of the scam.

They have handed over sums of money to remove bulky waste, only to later discover that it has been dumped illegally.

Often the companies or individuals concerned also fail to have the correct licence needed by law to carry waste.

Council officers are now warning members of the public to be wary of handing their waste over to other people they find Facebook.

Councillor Hilary Bills, cabinet member for environmental services, said: “People should make sure they check the background of these companies or businesses or individuals plying for trade on Facebook.

"They must have the correct licence from the Environment Agency and must also dispose of the waste correctly."

She continued: "A tell tale sign is if the price quoted is very low for the volume of waste to be collected or if the person collecting your waste accepts a cash payment without producing any paper work such as a waste transfer note, invoice or receipt.

“Failing to do that means the person having their waste collected is liable for hefty fines if the waste is found dumped.

“The safest way is to use the council’s chargeable bulky waste collection service to dispose of their waste or check with the council or the Environment Agency to see if a person is registered.”

People can check if a company has a licence to carry waste by clicking here.

To find out more about the council’s chargeable bulky waste service call Dudley Council Plus on 0300 5552345.