AT last, the responsibility for getting rid of household waste the council cannot take in normal collections falls squarely with householders.

Residents are being warned by Bolton Council that those who fail to use legitimate waste disposal companies may face large fines and even criminal records.

People who charge suspiciously low rates for shifting your rubbish are very likely to fly-tip it, leading to unsightly mounds of rubbish in rural and other areas. We all have to check if they are legitimate and authorised to do this, otherwise we are also to blame if our stuff is dumped. Fair enough.