The illegal dumping of waste is a major problem throughout the UK, particularly for many farmers and landowners. But what can be done to stop it?
Tackling fly-tipping is a huge challenge and one that requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some pointers to help prevent and address illegal waste disposal:
Raising awareness
- Spread the word by sharing the preventative measures you’ve taken or are planning to take with your family, neighbours, work colleagues and friends.
- Ask them to be vigilant and inform you of any suspicious activity or instances of fly-tipping.
Preventative measures
- Identify known fly-tipping hotspots on your property and secure them with gates, fencing or any other physical barriers.
- Make every effort to always close or even lock any gates when they’re not in use.
- Ensure all fly-tipping hotspots are as visible as possible, e.g. with improved lighting, so the fly-tippers can’t hide from view.
- Install surveillance cameras at fly-tipping hotspots and other strategic locations.
- Make your surveillance efforts obvious to deter potential dumpers.
- Try to identify patterns and trends in fly-tipping incidents. This can be helpful information for local authorities when allocating resources.
- Work closely with your local government and waste management agencies to address fly-tipping issues and provide them with any evidence you collect through surveillance or reporting.
Clean-up and remediation
- Respond quickly to any fly-tipping incidents to minimise environmental damage and discourage further dumping but be careful, as some waste can be hazardous. Do not move the waste or remove any evidence from it until the authorities have been notified.
- Document the dumped waste thoroughly, including videos, photographs and descriptions, to aid in any investigations.
- Call 101 to report the incident after it has taken place or 999 if the crime is in progress. Don’t interfere or put yourself at risk – let the authorities deal with it instead.
- Dispose of fly-tipped waste appropriately and safely to prevent environmental contamination. Make sure to use a registered waste carrier, as you could be heavily fined if it is dumped elsewhere.
- Keep the details of all costs incurred for the clearance and disposal of the waste, as these might be recoverable following successful prosecution.
Tackling fly-tipping is an ongoing process that requires persistence, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t stop it overnight – keep following the above guidance to work towards reducing and eventually eliminating this illegal and harmful activity in your area.