Fly Tipping in Plymouth
When you see a mattress dumped on the side of the road or rubbish piled up in an alleyway, it’s easy to get angry. But what can you do about fly tipping?
This article will guide you on how to report fly tipping and offer advice on preventing it from happening in your neighbourhood. Fly-tipping is a serious criminal offence; everyone needs help to solve it.
So let’s get started!
Definition of Fly Tipped Waste
Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste. Anything from a single bag of rubbish to a whole load of construction materials on private or public land.
Fly-tipping is a serious problem on public land and council land as it can pollute the environment and damage wildlife habitats.
It can also be dangerous for people, blocking roads and paths or creating fire hazards and costing taxpayers millions of pounds every year to clean up. Hence, it is essential to report any incidents to the relevant authorities.
If you see fly-tipping, do not touch it or attempt to remove it yourself – contact the Environmental Services Department at your local council.
Where is fly tipping most common?
There are several fly-tipping hotspots, both private and council land are affected, but the most common areas are rural roadsides, beauty spots, and urban estates.
Fly tipped waste not only looks unsightly, but it can also damage the environment and pose a health hazard.
There are many ways to help reduce fly-tipping, including reporting it to the authorities and disposing of waste responsibly. If we all do our bit, we can help make the UK cleaner and more beautiful.
Fly tipping in Plymouth
Plymouth is a city in the southwest of England and is the largest city in the county of Devon. It’s also one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations, thanks to its picturesque waterfront and its rich history. However, Plymouth is also known for something less desirable – Fly-tipping is a severe problem in Plymouth. Each year, hundreds of tonnes of waste are illegally dumped on council land and surrounding areas. If you live in Plymouth, please dispose of your rubbish responsibly. And if you see any fly-tipping, please report fly tipping to the authorities. Together, we can keep Plymouth clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.
What to do if you discover Fly Tipped Waste
While fly-tipping is a serious offence, and the police will take action if they witness it happening, it should usually be reported to your local council so they can organise its removal from council owned land and investigate.
If you see someone dumping waste illegally, do not approach them. Instead, it would be best to gather as much detail as possible to identify the culprits.
If you have any information about the fly tippers or a vehicle registration number, you should contact your local council. Secondly, you should take pictures or videos of the fly-tipping incident. This will be used as evidence to help catch and prosecute the culprits.
- It is important to note their license plate number and other identifying details so that these can be passed on to the authorities and allow police to seize vehicles.
- Also, make a note of any homes that have CCTV or camera doorbells in the nearby area.
- Do not try to clean up the mess yourself – this is dangerous. Simply report fly tipping; it’s not your responsibility to clean it up from council owned land- that’s why we have local councils and environmental agencies!
- These organizations are responsible for clearing up fly Tipping and will investigate incidents as soon as they are reported.
5 reasons why you should report fly tipped waste?
Environmental Damage
One of the significant adverse impacts of fly-tipping is the environmental damage that it can cause.
Dumping rubbish in an uncontrolled manner can pollute soil and water, damage natural habitats, and release harmful toxins and toxic chemicals into the environment. This can seriously impact both local ecosystems and the global environment.
Health Risks
Another significant negative impact of fly-tipping is the health risks that it poses to both humans and animals.
When rubbish is left in an uncontrolled environment, it can attract vermin and spread diseases. In addition, when toxic materials are dumped, they can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater, posing a severe health risk to those who consume it.
Economic Costs
In addition to the direct negative impacts that fly-tipping can have, there are indirect economic costs associated with this problem. For example, fly-tipping can make an area less attractive to potential investors or tourists, leading to a loss of revenue for the local economy.
Clearing up fly-tipped rubbish is costly, and these costs are typically passed on to taxpayers through higher taxes that could have been spent elsewhere.
Social Costs
Fly-tipping also has social costs and can lead to a decline in property values and an increase in fly-tipping as people become more tolerant of it. In addition, fly-tipping often occurs in areas already struggling economically, further exacerbating social problems.
Threat to Wildlife
Another significant negative impact of fly-tipping is its threat to wildlife. When rubbish is dumped in natural habitats, it can disturb or destroy nesting sites, pollute waterways, and poison animals who mistake it for food. Not to mention, broken glass can also injure wild animals and pets.
7 reasons why it Happens
Unknowingly Fly Tipping
Some people may unknowingly fly tip, for example, hiring someone to dispose of their waste who then dumps it illegally.
Always check the credentials and licenses of anyone you hire for waste disposal to ensure they dispose of it correctly. You may find that your fly tipped items lead the police back to you for illegal dumping.
To save money on disposal fees.
One of the primary reasons is to save money on disposal fees. Disposal fees are charged by waste removal companies and councils and can be pretty expensive.
Fly tipping allows people to avoid these fees by simply dumping their waste in an unauthorized location.
To avoid having to take their waste to a landfill site.
Avoid taking their waste to a waste management site like Chelston meadows.
Landfill sites can be located far from where people live and can be difficult to access. This can make it inconvenient for people to dispose of their waste correctly.
To get rid of their waste quickly.
It allows them to quickly get rid of their waste. Taking your rubbish to a landfill site takes a bit of planning and a lot of effort.
This can be time-consuming and may include getting your hands and vehicle involved dirty.
They don’t think it’s a big deal.
Some people fly tip because they don’t think it’s a big deal. They may need to realize that it’s illegal, or they may not believe it will have any negative consequences. However, fly-tipping is highly illegal and can result in severe penalties.
They don’t know where else to dispose of their waste.
Some people fly tip because they don’t know where else to dispose of their waste. They may need to be aware of other options, such as recycling centres or household waste disposal sites.
Their rubbish is too heavy or bulky.
Another reason people fly tip is that their rubbish may be too heavy or bulky for them to manage. Some items, such as furniture or appliances, can be challenging to transport and require special equipment.
What are the penalties for fly tipping?
The crown court penalties for fly tipping can vary depending on the severity of the offence. Surprisingly, you can expect fines of up to £5000, charges for the clean-up and the vehicles involved seized.
In severe cases, the convicted person may also have a prison sentence of up to 5 years and a criminal record.
Fly Tipping on Private Land in Plymouth?
If someone fly tips on your private land in Plymouth, you should report fly tipping to the Plymouth City Council. The council will investigate the fly-tip and take action against the person responsible and may be able to arrange for its removal.
Local councils will not generally clear rubbish left on private land for free, but they may investigate and take enforcement action if appropriate.
How do you report Fly tipping to Plymouth City Council?
Plymouth City Council provides several ways that residents can report fly-tipping. The council’s website has a dedicated form that can be used to report fly-tipping incidents.
Alternatively, residents can call the council’s Fly Tipping Hotline on 01752 668000. You will need to provide the following information:
- The exact location of the fly-tip
- A description of the waste that has been dumped
- The approximate size of the fly-tip
- Any identifying characteristics of the persons and vehicles involved.
- Your contact details
How to Choose a Waste Removal Company?
If you have had somebody fly tip on your private land or have some waste you would like disposed of correctly, it is crucial to choose a waste removal company wisely. Fly-tipping clearance can be complex, especially if the waste is hazardous. Here are some factors you should consider before hiring a waste removal company:
- Check if the company is licensed and insured by the environment agency. This is important because it will protect you if something goes wrong during removal.
- Get quotes from multiple companies. This way, you can compare prices and services before making a decision.
- Ask about the company’s disposal methods. You want to ensure that the company will dispose of the waste correctly and in an environmentally-friendly way.
- Check online reviews. See what other people have said about the company’s services before you make a decision.
- Make sure to ask about hidden fees. Some companies will charge extra for labour, and rates can vary across material types.
- You can also request a waste transfer note, which is evidence your waste has been transferred and accepted by the waste company.
- By following these tips, you can make sure that you choose a reputable, qualified company that will get the job done right.
Final Word
Fly-tipping is a serious criminal offence for private land owners and council owned land and can affect the environment and public safety.
If you have been the victim, we hope the information provided here has been useful in helping you report fly tipping and help you can take the necessary steps to catch the culprits and discourage someone else from doing it in the future.
