People are being warned not to dump waste outside their nearest recycling centre when it is closed as they will be fined hundreds of pounds if caught.

Three Rivers District Council recently issued a person with a fixed penalty notice of £300 for fly-tipping outside the gate of the Rickmansworth Household Waste Recycling Centre while it was shut.

Phil Brading, TRDC’s lead member for public services, said: “Household Waste Recycling Centres are provided by Hertfordshire County Council for residents to dispose of their household waste free of charge.

“People must not leave their waste outside the gates when they’re closed, as this is fly tipping. Opening hours are clearly advertised and there is an alternative site within the district which will be open when your nearest one is closed.

“We hope that issuing this Fixed Penalty Notice will deter others from thinking it is acceptable to fly tip.’’

Duncan Jones, chairman of the Hertfordshire Fly Tipping Group said: “We’re working hard across Hertfordshire to combat fly tipping.

“We know the vast majority of our residents and traders dispose of their waste properly, but when they don’t we investigate and take the appropriate action.’’

To report fly tipping or find out the opening hours of the waste centres, phone 01923 776611 or visit www.threerivers.gov.uk or www.wasteaware.org.uk