Driving through a beauty spot on a warm summers day and enjoying the clean, fresh air. You suddenly see an area on the side of the road that’s been strewn with bags of rubbish. The contents seem to be oozing out of it and you are reminded that nothing is sacred. An ugly sight that spoils the landscape for sure.
Fly-tipping is an illegal act where waste is deposited onto an area of land that does not hold a licence to accept it. The increase in waste over the years and the need for disposal has become an important issue that requires our consideration. And we’re not just talking about old mattresses and household refuse. Hazardous waste is still being dumped illegally and can damage the soil and watercourses. Asbestos can cause serious health complications if not disposed of correctly. Over 1 million incidents of fly-tipping are still reported to local authorities each year. Bearing this in mind, it is a criminal offence which can lead to prosecution, imprisonment and fines of up to £50,000.
If your land has been targeted
It is important you report any incidents of fly-tipping on your land to your local authorities. However they are not obliged to remove the waste. The responsibility to dispose of the waste is yours so make sure you choose a company that’s reputable as they will know how best to deal with the type of refuse. Ensure that they are a registered and certified carrier such as waste removal by Enviro Waste.
Ways to prevent fly-tipping
Many land owners who have largely unseen areas of land with easy access may find themselves victim to fly-tipping. Consider ways that you could make the area more safe, such as CCTV cameras in blind spots or gates in vulnerable secluded spots. If you do find waste it is always beneficial to arrange to have it removed as soon as possible. Fly-tippers usually gravitate to areas of land which already have been used as a dumping ground, so promptly dispose of waste. If you can easily assess the waste is not hazardous you could dispose of it yourself at the local tip. Exercise caution when asking others such as builders or workmen to remove the waste. The person should always be a registered so make sure you check to see if they have a certificate for waste disposal.
Fly-tipping is a Crime
Reporting any incidents of fly-tipping is important for our environment. These incidences should be investigated as they can lead to convictions of organised crime groups that often carry out the dumping of waste on a large scale. Reports should be made to either your local authority or your local environment agency. Caution should be exercised if you see someone fly-tipping. They are carrying out an illegal activity and would not want to be caught so do not approach them. Always ensure your own safety first. Make a note of the location, the time and the date of the incident. If possible, note what kind of waste has been dumped and how much there is of it. If you had a clear view of the person or persons fly-tipping then report the description of them and any vehicles and registration plates.
Do the best for our Environment
As we keep on trying to make a difference in our ever changing climate of society, it’s the small things each of us do that make the best changes. By being aware of fly-tipping, you can play your part in helping keep the UK as clean as possible.
