Record level of fly-tipping across BCP

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs figures shows 2,791 fly-tipping incidents were reported to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council in 2020-21.

This was a 64 per cent increase on the 1,705 discoveries made the year before, and the highest number since comparable records began in 2012-13.

'A 64 per cent increase in cases of fly tipping'

However, no fines resulting from court convictions were issued in the area last year – and none were issued in 2019-20.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council carried out no enforcement actions in 2020-21.

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “Our legacy authorities had various methods of logging and investigating fly-tipping offences and work has been underway for some time to harmonise services.

“Following a cabinet meeting in May 2021, a 12-month pilot to employ a private contractor to investigate all incidents of fly-tipping across BCP was agreed and this started in late August 2021.

“Employing the services of dedicated enforcement officers will ensure evidence is collected in a timely manner to meet the high thresholds of evidence necessary to prove an offence.

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“Since the commencement of this contract in August we have issued numerous fines for fly-tip related offences as well as concluding a successful prosecution.

“Fly-tipping has been on the increase nationally for many years and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole witnessed similar trends and we urge all businesses and residents to manage their waste responsibly.

“Leaving any unwanted items or waste on public land is an offence and fines may be issued to those found responsible.”

Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment and place said: “Fly tipping is a growing problem for councils across the country which is why we take tough action on fly tipping.

“Between August 2021 and December 2021, BCP Council has issued 114 fixed penalty notices for fly tipping offences.

“Not only is it illegal, but it can also cause significant environmental issues and adversely impacts the local landscape.

Councillor Mark Anderson

"In addition, flytipping can create mental health issues for people living next to areas where flytipping is more prolific, so it’s vitally important that we tackle this issue head on.

“We want our city region to be world class – one of the best coastal places in the world in which to live, work, invest and play, and as part of our Cleaner, Greener, Safer campaign this pilot will help us work towards this goal.”