Householders and traders illegally getting rid of waste in Flintshire have been warned they could be caught on camera in a covert operation.

The Environment Agency Wales and local councillors have launched a zero tolerance campaign to stop the "severe" problem of fly-tipping.

The message to all people wanting to dispose of their waste illegally is - beware you may be being watched Kevin Hughes Flintshire councillor

People found dumping rubbish could receive a �20,000 fine or six months in prison.

A list of offending hot spots in the county has been drawn up and CCTV equipment is being installed.

Items regularly thrown out of cars and vans include fridges, washing machines, cookers, asbestos sheeting and business waste.

Traders are legally required to dispose of their rubbish correctly and householders have facilities to leave their waste at amenity sites free of charge.

A spokesman for Flintshire council said many businesses refuse to pay for their waste to be collected and therefore get rid of it illegally.

"It is known that such rogue traders may fly-tip their waste in quiet locations throughout the county causing the problems we have reported," he said.

Illegal

Traders are required to dispose of their waste in the correct way under strict regulations monitored by the environment agency.

People are being encouraged to recycle

Flintshire councillor Kevin Hughes said there is no excuse for leaving rubbish strewn across the county.

"The message to all people wanting to dispose of their waste illegally is - beware you may be being watched.

"Dispose your waste at a suitably licensed location," he said.

Dave Andrew from the environment agency said fly-tipping has become a major problem throughout Wales.

"By working together with Flintshire council we hope we can make a real impact on the increasing problem of fly-tipping and illegal waste disposal," he said.