Ceaseless struggle against fly-tipping
THE ONGOING battle against fly-tipping in Elche resulted in 173 fines being issued by the local police during 2020.
Security councillor Ramón Abad revealed the figures after another place being used as an impromptu dump was discovered in woodland between El Altet and Arenales del Sol, not far from the Clot de Galvany nature reserve.
Environment councillor Esther Díez said they had not been aware of this particular site and would clear it up.
The large size of the municipality is the biggest problem, as the police said offenders usually pick areas which are remote or close to the borders with other municipalities, noted the councillor.
The force’s environmental unit tries to monitor as many of these places as possible, and has put up signs warning about the penalties at over 100 of them. Most of the dumps they found consisted of plant cuttings, construction rubble and industrial waste, which accounted for 128 of last year’s cases. A further 13 related to spillages of liquids from commercial activities or wastewater, and some of biological residue which is supposed to be disposed of according to strict protocol.
“To keep our municipality clean we all have to do our part and teach these people who persist with their uncivilised attitudes, telling them that there are disposal points in our city, as well as authorised waste management companies that will dispose of these substances,” said Sr Abad.
Under regional law, fines range from €600 for minor offences to €30,000 for serious offences, but can rise to between €6,000 and €300,000 if waste includes dangerous substances.