Fly-tipping crack-down
Government has announced plans to crack down on fly-tipping following a 16% increase in cases from 2019/2020 to 2020/2021Government has announced plans to crack down on fly-tipping following a 16% increase in cases from 2019/2020 to 2020/2021.
Households will no longer have to pay to get rid of DIY waste under plans set out by government to change the rules that currently allows some Local Authorities to charge for DIY waste from households. Under the proposals, household DIYers would not be charged to get rid of waste including plasterboards, bricks and bath units.
As well as this, a call for evidence on the use of booking systems at recycling centres has been launched following fears that booking systems implemented during the pandemic may have deterred people from choosing to recycle their waste.
Additionally, a number of councils in England will be awarded grants to tackle fly-tipping through trial projects, including CCTV to target hotspots.
Responding to DEFRA’s fly-tipping announcement, CLA President Mark Tufnell said:
The Country Land and Business Association has campaigned vigorously for many years against fly-tipping, and we are delighted to see tangible action from Government.
“We welcome funding for local authorities to help tackle the problem, but we must remember that private landowners currently bear the cost of clearing fly tipped waste on their land. This can often run into thousands of pounds. Indeed, one CLA member, who is a regular victim, is having to pay £50,000 each year to clear waste dumped on their land. This waste is more than DIY waste alone, and can often involve tyres and household appliances. As a result, this funding should also seek to support private landowners as victims of crime.
“Government must also focus on deterrents. Although the maximum fine for anyone caught fly-tipping is £50,000 or 12 months imprisonment this is seldom enforced."
Unless tougher action is taken to combat this kind of rural crime, it will continue to increase.