Tougher measures to tackle flytipping to be considered at cabinet

Later this month, Cabinet members will consider plans to see enhanced measures put in place and a dedicated team set up to investigate and potentially fine or prosecute anyone caught fly-tipping.

As part of the pilot, the council will look to bring on board an external company who will be tasked with reducing incidents of fly-tipping and enhance prevention measures through engagement with local communities.

• Fly-tipping surge across Dorset with five incidents every day
• Fly tipping reported at Moor Crichel in East Dorset

Portfolio Holder for Community Safety at BCP Council Councillor May Haines said: “Fly-tipping is an environmental crime and undermines the majority of local residents who want to live and work in a clean and safe environment.

“We are committed to tackling the issue and these plans are an ideal opportunity to reduce incidents of fly-tipping whilst remaining cost neutral to the council.

“Any enforcement activity is not undertaken lightly or to generate income, but as a necessary driver to keep our area clean – we are committed to leading our communities towards a cleaner, sustainable future that preserves our outstanding environment for generations to come and this will hopefully encourage people to go through the proper channels to dispose of their waste.”

As part of the plan’s cabinet members are being asked to approve the level of fine for fly-tipping.

In line with the legislation limits, it would be £200 if paid within 14 days and £400 within 28 days.

• READ MORE: How much flytippers are costing Dorset taxpayers

Councillor Mark Anderson, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Cleansing and Waste said: “Fly-tipping causes significant environmental issues and adversely impacts the local landscape. Everyone has a responsibility to make sure their rubbish is disposed of responsibly and not flytipped.

“As part of our Cleaner, Greener Safer campaign, we’re prioritising real action through this proposal, allowing us to provide a harmonised approach across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

“Using an external company who has the capacity to investigate a more thorough response to all relevant incidents, which will allow us to work on communicating the messages around the prevention of fly-tipping.”

Fly-tipping is a growing issue around the country. In 2019/20 alone, local authorities in England dealt with just under 1 million (976,000) fly-tipping incidents, costing hundreds of millions of pounds.

Councillor Anderson added: “People should always make sure they use a genuine waste carrier to get rid of their rubbish.

“Check their proof of registration with the Environment Agency, ask how your rubbish is going to be disposed of and ask for a proper invoice or waste transfer note or receipt, because if it’s later found to be flytipped, they can be fined.”

The report will be considered by cabinet on May 26. If approved, the council will look to procure an external company with the aim of launching the scheme later in the summer.