Countryside Alliance: Bin collection changes could lead to fly-tipping plague

Countryside Alliance logo

Monday, 16, Jul 2007 12:00

The cost of clearing up Britain’s fly-tipping plague will rocket if councils continue to introduce fortnightly collections and bin taxes, according to a new report from the Communities and Local Government Committee.

Research published by the Countryside Alliance in March this year showed that the cost of fly-tipping is already nearly £100 million a year, and the report notes that the Government has admitted that the introduction of fortnightly collections and bin taxes will lead to more fly-tipping and says:

“We are not convinced that enough work has been done or guidance given to local authorities on how to prevent such risks from blighting areas and causing disputes. Nor are we convinced that local authorities already faced with increasing waste costs will be adequately funded to deal with increased administration, clear-up and prosecution costs.”

The Alliance will publish the results of its wide ranging fly-tipping consultation in September.

Simon Hart, Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: “Councils must consider the real costs of changes to refuse collection when considering whether to introduce new schemes. Most importantly they must ensure that it remains easier to get rid of rubbish legally than illegally.

“That means using proven methods to counter fly-tipping: making sure civic amenity centres are open at sensible times and do not restrict tipping; providing financial incentives, rather than the threat of fines, to encourage recycling; and funding enforcement officers and CCTV in fly-tipping hot spots.”