Terrible fly-tipping in and around Bournemouth

With five fly-tipping offences every day in Dorset, there has been a marked surge in environmental crime. 

The Local Government Association warned that the offence costs taxpayers almost £50 million a year to clear up.

READ MORE: Bournemouth Police stop fly-tippers

READ MORE: Fly-tipping surge across Dorset with five incidents every day

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs data shows 1,705 fly-tipping incidents were reported to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council in 2019-20.

Here are some of the worst offences so far in 2021: 

Fly-tipping near Moor Crichel

Fly-tipping near Moor Crichel in East Dorset. Picture: East Dorset Police

This awful amount of waste was thought to have been dumped near Moor Crichel in East Dorset on the night of Tuesday March 2.

Last month council leaders in Dorset have called for jail time for the 'worst offenders' of fly-tipping - as it emerged it cost taxpayers more than £60,000 to clean up in less than a year.

The call comes as it is revealed there were 1,501 incidents of fly-tipping reported to Dorset Council between April 2020 and January 2021 - costing £60,840 to clear up.

Duo caught red-handed 

Dorset Police stopped fly tippers in April Photo: Bournemouth Police.

This image shows an incident that occured last month when two fly-tippers tried to flee from police.

The driver of the flatbed tipper became stuck upon a previously dumped concrete block, therefore learning first hand the hazards that fly-tipping can cause. 

Following police intervention and some hard labour (much to the amusement of locals, according to police), the individuals freed their van, reloaded it and cleaned the area before leaving.
Garden furniture at Upton Heath 

A garden furniture set and rubbish was left at Upton Heath Nature Reserve. Picture: Martin Adams

Just a few weeks ago this garden table set and a myriad of rubbish were left at Upton Heath Nature Reserve. 

READ MORE: Garden furniture and disposable barbecues left at Upton Heath

Dorset Wildlife Trust said the guilty party’s actions amounted to fly-tipping and it showed an “utter lack of respect” for the county’s wildlife and heathland.

Fly-tipping at Abbotsbury Hill 

Flytipping in lay-by at top of Abbotsbury Hill Picture: Martin Lea

A large amount of building waste was dumped in a lay-by off the B3157 coast road near the top of Abbotsbury Hill overlooking the Fleet and Chesil Beach - one of the most spectacular views in the county. 

Waste was also dropped towards the bottom of the hill. 

What are the penalties for fly-tipping?

Fly-tipping is a serious criminal offence. It carries a fine of up to £20,000 and you can even be sent to prison.

It is also an offence to allow fly-tipping if you know it’s going on and the police have the power to seize vehicles used for fly-tipping.

If you allow your car or vehicle to be used for fly-tipping, even if you are not driving yourself, you can still be prosecuted. 

How do I report fly-tipping?

Fly-tipping should be reported to the local council or the Environment Agency.

Reporting to the Police should only be where large scale illegal dumping or hazardous waste is involved.