With household recycling centres (HRCs) currently closed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Dorset Council is asking people to help them in the fight against fly-tipping.
Trips to a household recycling centre are not listed under central government reasons for essential travel, so we have had to temporarily close them. Opening them for any amount of time would contravene public health advice that we, as the local authority, are obligated to comply with.
We are requesting that any waste that would usually need to be taken to an HRC should just be kept to one side until they reopen. However, there will unfortunately always be a handful of selfish and anti-social individuals who will fly-tip waste and use the HRC closures to justify their illegal behaviour, even during this unprecedented crisis.
Early fly-tipping figures from late March and early April have not shown a significant year-on-year increase, but officers are hesitant to read too much into this data as reporting is likely to be impacted by fewer people travelling around the county and spotting fly-tips as they isolate at home.
To help us fight against fly-tipping, the waste service’s Enforcement Team – who are continuing to operate at this time – have asked for residents to note the following: –
Report it – If you spot a fly-tip, don’t assume we know about it. Fly-tips can be reported to the Council online and by phone. We will investigate all reported incidents and, where there is enough evidence, attempt to trace and prosecute those responsible
Make sure you’re covered – Rubbish you’ve handed to someone else is still your legal responsibility until it is correctly disposed of. If someone – such as an unlicensed ‘man in a van’ found on social media – were to fly-tip that waste, you could end up paying a fine or being taken to court.
Fly-tipping is a criminal offence, punishable of fines of up to £50,000- or 12-months imprisonment if convicted in a Magistrate’s Court. The offence can attract an unlimited fine and up to 5 years imprisonment if convicted in a Crown Court.
Cllr Tony Alford, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Customer, Community and Regulatory Services, said:
“Now more than ever, we need people to keep us informed when they spot fly-tips. We want residents to help us by keeping their waste to one side until things get back to normal, and to check who they’re handing their waste to.
We know the temporary closure of household recycling centres is likely to cause a rise in fly-tipping, so we’re keeping a close eye on the situation, reviewing central government guidance and planning every day so we can re-open the HRCs at the earliest opportunity.
But there are no excuses for fly-tipping. It’s unsightly and damaging to the environment. We all have a part to play in stopping this anti-social behaviour and by working together I know we can make a positive impact.
It’s also worth noting that Dorset Police are still out on the roads at this time checking where people are travelling to and may have some questions if they look in a vehicle and find waste that would typically be dropped at an HRC.”
Dorset residents can find out more by visiting the Tip Off webpage. Fly-tipping incidents can be reported online or by calling 01305 221040.
There’s avery simple solution – Open the tips under controlled access.
Please read – https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-litter/report-a-bin-problem/coronavirus-household-recycling-centres-and-banks-frequently-asked-questions.aspx
The tips should be open, there is little risk to health and there is no need to be near anyone- so why are they closed? This is government being short sighted. Keeping them closed will cause huge problems for householders and an increase in fly tipping which is going to cost precious council money to clear up. There is no reason why we shouldn’t be able to take our waste to the tips.
Absolutely correct. I agree with every word.Open the tips and let common sense in.
At this stage, we would recommend writing to your MP.
That is exactly right… If the restrictions are required for a protracted time then the Government – society – is going to have to look at managing social distancing whilst re-opening the facilities that are needed. Recycling centres are essential since the regular waste removal service is so limited – either that, or introduce wider definitions of what can be disposed of via the weekly waste collections.
Why shut the tips at all? With garden collections suspended the consequences are inevitable. There is little or no risk to staff or customers at re-cycling centres so get them open.
Please read https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-litter/report-a-bin-problem/coronavirus-household-recycling-centres-and-banks-frequently-asked-questions.aspx
I support Tobias Elwood in getting tips reopened.
Fly tipping is a growing problem.
Also the rubbish that people are accumulating at their homes is a health hazard
Kerbside collections are happening as usual, so no household should accumulating waste they would normally produce. Please read https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-litter/report-a-bin-problem/coronavirus-household-recycling-centres-and-banks-frequently-asked-questions.aspx
This isnt true…we have 2 disabled children and create more waste because of medical needs. Ontop of our collections we make weekly visits to the tip to dispose of our household waste. This is now sitting in my garden, being ripped open by seagulls and cats and festering in the hot weather. If you arent allowing us to travel to the tips you should incresse or add an extra collection of black bins.
While we’re sorry to hear that Donna, we have always been able to arrange extra capacity for medical needs and this should have been sorted out before the current restrictions came into effect. There is no need for anyone to use HRCs on a regular basis to drop off household waste. Please fill out the form at https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-litter/request-a-bin/request-extra-capacity-for-medical-reasons.aspx
You ask people to stay at home, keep fit do hobbies, etc.
IF they take this time to improve their homes with D.I.Y , maybe in a small house or flat without a garden, WHERE are they going to STORE rubbish
UNTIL the “Lock Down” finishes, , WHERE DO YOU THINK THEY ARE GOING TO RID OF IT, IF YOU CLOSE THE TIPS ?
Given the unprecedented situation and subsequent pressure on front-line employees, including waste services, we do not think it is unreasonable for people to consider their behaviour and the waste they are producing at this time. As for the recycling centres, please read https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-litter/report-a-bin-problem/coronavirus-household-recycling-centres-and-banks-frequently-asked-questions.aspx
Would it be possible to somehow arrange a ‘booked appointment scheme’ for when the tips do finally open. It would perhaps save the enormous queues which will inevitably happen then.
It’s one of many options we’re exploring at the moment Mrs.Chambers, but until we know exactly how the restrictions will be lifted, we can’t confirm any plans.
Have you checked that all the rubbish collecters who advertise in the press like th Echo HAVE REGISTERED LICENCES TODO SO ??????
No need to shout Alan. We do make regular checks on all businesses that require waste carrier licencing and duty of care paperwork, but there’s only so many we can process at any given time. If people work with us and ask for proof of licencing, waste transfer notes etc. and report anyone who seems to be operating suspiciously, we can cover more ground, so to speak.