Huge increase in flytipping during lockdown months, says Boston Council

Fly-tipping has surged dramatically in the Boston district during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Fly-tipping is showing a huge increaseFly-tipping is showing a huge increase
Fly-tipping is showing a huge increase

Boston Borough Council has now pledged a zero tolerance approach to those who dump rubbish illegally.

Year on year, the figures have increased dramatically over the last three months, with incidents for April and May both more than double last years.

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In April there were 94 last year, which more than doubled to 193 this year, and in May there were 177 fly-tips this year compared to 74 in 2019.

Fly-tipping is showing a huge increaseFly-tipping is showing a huge increase
Fly-tipping is showing a huge increase

March also saw a big increase, with 106 incidents of fly-tipping last year rising dramatically to 174 in 2020.

The council believes one of the main reasons for the increase is commercial operators avoiding their legal responsibilities to dispose of their waste which costs them money, and that is one are it will be particularly focusing on.

A spokesperson said that data shows that 8.5 per cent of fly tipping locally is caused by commercial businesses/tradespeople dumping materials such as old kitchens, bathrooms, building materials and garden waste.

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Council officials have visited a number of local businesses and have found that they do not have proper means of disposing their waste.

Christian Allen, Head of Operational Services at the council, said: “We will be taking a zero tolerance approach with those who illegally dump waste because they think they can get away with it. Whether it’s a business or an individual, it is unacceptable behaviour.

“Fly-tipping isn’t the fault of the council. It’s caused by people who know they are in the wrong and make the wrong choices.

“Fly-tipping is illegal and we will step up our efforts to catch those responsible. Although our focus will be on businesses as the worst offenders, we also want to encourage residents to take responsibility for their waste.”

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Cllr Yvonne Stevens, portfolio holder for waste services, says: “Fly tipping is an increasing social problem. Commercial fly tipping is becoming not only a social problem but also a huge financial headache for those on whose property the fly tipping ends up. Preventing fly tipping works for the good of the local residents and the community.”

If you are not sure if someone has the correct licences, call Boston Borough Council on 01205 314200 for advice or visit the Environment Agency’s website at https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers

If you spot fly-tipping progress, the council says call 101 immediately.

The spokesperson said do not approach the offenders, but note down how many people are involved, their descriptions and information about any vehicles being used, including the makes, colours, and registration numbers. If it is safe, take photographs.

Farmers can use the NFU’s Rural Crime Reporting Line, in partnership with Crimestoppers, to provide information about fly-tipping by calling 0800 783 0137.