Reported cases of flytipping down 13 per cent

Flytipping incidents dealt with by Shropshire Council have fallen by 13 per cent in the past year, according to the latest official figures published by the Department of the Environment, Fisheries and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). 

The statistics show that Shropshire Council dealt with 1,270 incidents in 2010/11, compared to 1,434 incidents in 2009/10. 

The Government estimates that nationally collecting and then disposing of this illegally dumped waste costs UK taxpayers over £40 million each year.  

Local councils are on the frontline of dealing with this issue both as waste disposal authorities but also engaging in enforcement activities.  Last year councils across the UK carried out around 568,000 enforcement actions at an estimated cost of £20.6m.  There were 2,400 prosecutions, of which 96% resulted in conviction. 

Flytipping is a criminal offence which can lead to a maximum fine of up to £50,000 or even a prison sentence in some cases. 

Councillor Martin Bennett, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member, said:

“I am pleased that the efforts our environmental maintenance team put into both education and enforcement are beginning to show results in this way, with flytipping figures down. 

“However, the costs for disposing of both legitimate rubbish and this carelessly dumped rubbish rise every year, and the council tax payers of Shropshire end up paying for what is after all, a criminal offence; it is also unsightly and potentially dangerous for the environment and public health.  The council will continue to take vigorous action against anyone found to be flytipping.”

To report a problem with flytipping, graffiti, flyposting or litter in your area, contact the environmental maintenance teams on 0345 678 9006 or alternatively report a problem online at shropshire.gov.uk/environmentmaintenance.nsf