FLYTIPPERS in the Taunton and Wellington area are being nabbed by detective work by environmental protection officers.

Increasing amounts of household waste are being dumped near recycling banks at council car parks.

And Taunton Deane Council is determined to catch the rogue tippers.

Officers sent to the scene of illegal rubbish have been rifling through bags to search for clues as to who is responsible.

They use addressed envelopes and other items to track down the offenders.

A council spokeswoman said officers are using CCTV surveillance and "documentary" evidence catch people.

And they are warning householders that it is an offence to try to dispose of waste by using a man with a van' to do the job for them.

The perpetrators may be under the impression that it is acceptable to leave waste at the recycling bins. But this is illegal and offenders may be prosecuted.

Much of the waste investigated by officers, may have been given by the householder to a friend, family member or hired help' to dispose of using their own transport.

The householder remains responsible for this waste and along with the person disposing of the waste could be prosecuted or issued with a formal caution for illegal dumping.

Deane executive councillor for environmental services Mel Mullins said: "Many people seem to think that by allowing others to dispose of household waste means that they no longer have responsibility for it, but this is not the case.

"If a man with a van' offers to take your bulk rubbish away for a small charge, it is important to check that he is a registered waste carrier.

"If not, and the waste ends up being illegally dumped, you could face a heavy fine."

*For more on how much flytipping is costing us, see next Thursday's Somerset County Gazette.