Since the COVID-19 lockdown, there has been an increase in fly tipping due to the closure of waste and recycling plants across the country. This, combined with more people clearing out unwanted items whilst stuck at home, has meant for a higher amount of waste being dumped in our countryside and urban areas.
The advice from Defra is that victims of fly tipping should approach the waste with caution as it may be hazardous. Is it is important to record as much information as possible, such as:
- try to work out what the waste is and how much there is
- note the day, date and time you saw the tipping
- note the waste’s exact location and whether it is in or near water
- take a photograph and give this to the local council
Remember fly tipping is a criminal offence and as such, can result in criminal prosecution.
Defra have a section on their website where you can report fly tipping under the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/report-flytipping