Fly-tipping has become a huge problem across Dorset and BCP Council plans to tackle this blight on the countryside.

Later this month, Cabinet members will consider a 12-month pilot to see enhanced measures put in place across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and a dedicated team set up to investigate and potentially fine or prosecute anyone caught flytipping.

Cllr May Haines, portfolio holder for community safety, BCP Council, said: “Flytipping is an environmental crime and undermines the majority of local residents who want to live and work in a clean and safe environment. We are committed to tackling the issue and these plans are an ideal opportunity to reduce incidents of flytipping whilst remaining cost neutral to the council.

“Our overarching approach will always be prevention, working with businesses and local communities to educate on the ways to legally dispose of their waste. Any enforcement activity is not undertaken lightly or to generate income, but as a necessary driver to keep our area clean – we are committed to leading our communities towards a cleaner, sustainable future that preserves our outstanding environment for generations to come and this will hopefully encourage people to go through the proper channels to dispose of their waste.”

Flytipping is a growing issue around the country. In 2019/20 alone, local authorities in England dealt with just under one million fly-tipping incidents that cost hundreds of millions of pounds.

Councillor Anderson portfolio holder for Environment, Cleansing and Waste said:

“People should always make sure they use a genuine waste carrier to get rid of their rubbish. Check their proof of registration with the Environment Agency, ask how your rubbish is going to be disposed of and ask for a proper invoice or waste transfer note or receipt, because if it’s later found to be flytipped, they can be fined.”

The report will be considered by cabinet on 26 May. If approved, the council will look to procure an external company with the aim of launching the scheme later in the summer. As part of the plans cabinet members are being asked to approve the level of fine for flytipping. In line with the legislation limits therefore it would be £200 if paid within 14 days and £400 within 28 days.

Please report any flytipping issues on https://online.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/services/flytipping/ to ensure it is on the council’s system for action.