Householders in Pembrokeshire could face fines of up to £5,000 if it can be proved their waste has been fly-tipped. Residents are being urged to ensure that any tradesmen who work on their property are registered waste carriers with the Environment Agency. Waste crime is a serious problem, said Clr. Huw George, cabinet member for environment, planning and regulatory services. "It is the provider of the waste that is responsible for its disposal - even if the householder was unaware of the law," he said. Anyone with doubts over the credentials of the tradesmen can contact the Environment Agency for more advice. Illegal waste carriers can disguise their activities in various ways, such as taking adverts out under different names. However, there are a few measures which you can take to ensure the safe and legal disposal of your waste. Be wary of mobile numbers that are not linked to a business address. Be careful if someone offers to take your waste there and then or if you are asked to pay cash up front. Be suspicious of very low estimates. Builders, gardeners and all traders should be including the cost of waste disposal into their fees. "Fly-tipping is a serious crime that can damage our health as well as the environment, and costs thousands of pounds to clear up each year," said Clr. George. "We are all responsible for the well-being of the environment and there is no excuse for this behaviour. "Householders should ensure that the charge for waste disposal is included in any work carried out on their homes. "Remember, your legal duty of care means you could be liable for prosecution if your waste carrier is not registered with the Environment Agency and your waste is fly-tipped or taken to an illegal site." Anyone who witnesses fly-tipping is urged to contact Pembrokeshire County Council on 01437 764551 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.