BUSINESSES in Hartlepool are being urged to make sure they are not dumping their rubbish illegally.
Council bosses keen to clamp down on fly-tipping have issued a reminder to local traders of their duty of care under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Traders who break the law could face heavy fines or imprisonment.
Ian Burton, Hartlepool Council's environment enforcement officer, said: "Businesses must be sure that anyone removing their waste is either from the local authority or a licensed waste collection company. If they are using a waste removal contractor, they should ask for proof of registration with the Environment Agency to transport waste."
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