‘Proactive steps’ needed to tackle fly-tipping problem

Council officials have been urged to do more to tackle the growing issue of fly-tipping at recycling points in Dunfermline and west Fife.

Over the festive period, there was a significant increase in the use of recycling points as people disposed of their Christmas packaging.

However, this was also accompanied by a marked increase in the amount of household waste being illegally dumped.

Household waste cannot be processed at recycling points, and clearing the build-up has resulted in a significant cost to council taxpayers.

With that in mind, Dunfermline SNP MSP, Shirley-Anne Somerville, and SNP Dunfermline South councillor Fay Sinclair met local authority officials to discuss the issue.

Ms Sinclair said: “The huge rise in illegal dumping at the Duloch Tesco recycling point in particular shocked many local residents. It took council workers hours to clean up the mess and it comes at a cost to council taxpayers.

“The council carried out extra collections in advance of Christmas Eve in order to clear recycling sites. However, by Boxing Day, they were a state again.”

Ms Somerville described the talks as “positive”, but stressed that the level of fly-tipping over the holidays was “unacceptable”.

“Going forward, it is essential that proactive steps are taken to encourage the responsible use of these facilities, for the sake of our communities and the environment,” she added.

The pair heard steps are being taken to deter illegal dumping, including CCTV, fines and a public campaign to raise awareness about the proper use of recycling facilities.