An investigation is under way after a significant amount of waste was found illegally dumped in Co Waterford.
Environmental Inspectors from Waterford City and County Council made the discovery on Monday at a site near the village of Ballylaneen.
The village is located about halfway between Kilmacthomas and Bunmahon.
The council has said the “considerable volume” of illegal dumping appears to have occurred over the past few weeks.
Senior Executive Engineer with the Environment Section at Waterford City and County Council, Niall Kane said: “This bears all the hallmarks of an unauthorised ‘man in a van’ operator. These illegal operators often advertise on social media and may seem to offer good value, but your waste could end up dumped like this.
“Before engaging someone to remove your waste you should always check to ensure they have a waste collection permit.
“All people are responsible for their waste until it is disposed of correctly. If you give your waste to an inappropriate person, and they dump it, you could face prosecution,” Mr Kane added.
The council is advising the public that all waste collectors are required to have their name and permit number on their vehicle, and they should ask all operators to see a copy of their waste collection permit as they are required to carry it with them.
Waterford City and County Council is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed suspicious vehicles carrying waste or who may have dashcam footage from the Ballylaneen area to contact them.
If anyone recognises the waste and thinks they may have given it to a waste collector, they are also asked to make contact with the council.