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Whether you're clearing out a garage, replacing furniture or tackling a garden project, Fight Fly-Tipping Fortnight is a good reminder to think carefully about what happens to your waste after it leaves your property.

Before paying someone to take waste away, take a few minutes to check they're authorised to carry it. Rogue traders often offer cheap waste collection services but then dump rubbish illegally to avoid disposal costs.

Could someone else use it?

Before throwing something away, ask yourself whether it still has life left in it. Items in good working order could be:

• Sold through Facebook Marketplace
• Given away on Freegle
• Donated to a charity shop for resale

Reusing items helps reduce waste, supports local communities and can even put a little money back in your pocket. Disposal should always be the last resort.

Protect yourself from rogue traders

Many people don't realise that they have a legal Duty of Care when arranging for their waste to be removed. If your rubbish is fly-tipped and can be traced back to you, you could still be held responsible, even if you paid someone else to take it away.

To avoid being caught out:

• Ask to see the person's waste carrier registration number
• Check it on the Environment Agency's public register
• Ask for a receipt
• Keep a record of who collected your waste

Taking these simple steps can help ensure your waste is disposed of legally and responsibly.

Need to get rid of bulky items?

If you have large items that can't be reused, Stroud District Council offers a bulky waste collection service.

Collections cost £25 for up to three items, with additional items charged at £5 each. Residents who receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support are eligible for a discounted rate of £5 for up to three items.

By checking who is taking your waste and considering reuse options first, you can help protect the environment, support a cleaner district and avoid unwanted fines.

The Museum in the Park is celebrating 10 years of its award-winning Walled Garden with a special programme of events this October. The anniversary falls in the same year that the museum marks its own 25th anniversary, highlighting a decade in the life of a garden that has become one of Stroud’s most treasured attractions.

Opened in October 2016, the long-neglected space was transformed into a thriving community garden that is now enjoyed by visitors throughout the year.

To mark the milestone, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including a plant sale, eco-printing workshops, an illustrated talk and free half-term creative activities for families.

Museum Manager Kevin Ward said:

"A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers, community groups, artists, funders, staff and supporters who helped create the Walled Garden and continue to help it flourish. Over the past 10 years it has become a much-loved place for learning, creativity, wellbeing and connection with nature. We're looking forward to celebrating this special anniversary with everyone who has supported the garden along the way."

The celebrations take place throughout October, with events highlighting the garden's past, present and future, while showcasing the people whose hard work has helped it thrive.

Anniversary events

Pop Up Plant Sale from Exedra Nursery

• 17 & 18 October, 11am to 4pm
• Late-flowering perennials, shrubs and spring flowering bulbs on sale in the Walled Garden.

Workshop: Eco Printing with Ruth Illingworth

• 17 October, 1.30pm to 4pm
• Create an eco-print picture on paper. Booking required.

Talk: The Story of Stroud's Secret Garden

• 18 October, 2pm to 3pm
• An illustrated talk presented by Kevin Ward and Ann Taylor, followed by tea and cake. Booking required.

Afternoon Slideshows: From Wasteland to Wonder

• 20, 21, 22 and 24 October, 2pm to 4pm
• Meet volunteer gardeners, view garden-inspired artwork and discover the story of the garden's transformation.

Half Term Creative Activities: 'Garden Stories' with Periscope

•  27, 28 and 29 October, 10.30am to 3.30pm
• Free creative drop-in activities for all ages.

For more information about the Walled Garden and anniversary events, visit the Museum in the Park website Museum in the Park

The Museum in the Park is managed by Stroud District Council in collaboration with the Stroud District (Cowle) Museum Trust. It is home to a rich local history collection, the award-winning walled garden, and a dedicated contemporary exhibition space.

Entry to the Museum, garden and exhibitions is free.

The Museum also offers a free-to-join membership, giving members updates on exhibitions and events, plus exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Find out more at www.museuminthepar.org.uk/membership

Sign up here to receive news and events from Stroud District Council here:  https://stroud.gov.uk/emailalerts

This week we're highlighting a campaign to tackle fly-tipping, support available for veterans, celebrations at the Museum in the Park and some of the events taking place across the district this October.

As part of national Fight Fly-Tipping fortnight, we're reminding residents to think twice before paying someone else to take away their waste. Rogue operators often advertise cheap waste collections on social media and online marketplaces, but waste collected this way can end up dumped in the countryside, lay-bys or on roadsides. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. We're also encouraging people not to leave rubbish where it doesn't belong, including beside full litter or dog waste bins, or outside closed charity shops.

The Stroud & District Veterans Hub has moved to a new home at The Old Crown in Paganhill and meets at 9am on the first Saturday of every month. The hub offers valuable peer support, friendship and a warm welcome to veterans and their families. We also support the Armed Forces community in a number of ways, including guaranteed face-to-face housing interviews for serving personnel and veterans, discounted Active Lifestyles memberships, and information about local veterans groups on our website 

The Museum in the Park is marking 10 years of its award-winning Walled Garden with a programme of special events throughout October. Activities include a pop-up plant sale, talks exploring the garden's creation and free creative sessions for families during half term.

There's also plenty more happening across the district, including the Open Studios Art Trail over the next two weekends. For more inspiration, take a look at our October events listings on our website..

Finally, the next Full Council meeting takes place on 15 October. You can attend in person or watch live on our YouTube channel, with details available on our website.

Finally, don't forget to sign up for SDC email updates. You can choose the topics that interest you and receive the latest council news, events and service information direct to your inbox at www.stroud.gov.uk/emailalerts