Tories calling for changes to fly-tipping laws that leave farmers liable for cost

Holyrood urged to take action as rogue dumping incidents rocket in lockdown

Calls have been made to change “unjust” laws that leave farmers liable for clearing rubbish dumped on their land.

Landowners will only be compensated for the costs of removing waste from their property if those responsible are identified, under current legislation.

Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has called for changes to the law and asked the Scottish Government if the rules were “fair”.

Those caught dumping rubbish in non-designated recycling centres can be fined as much as £40,000.

Reports of fly-tipping and rogue rubbish dumping have rocketed since the lockdown forced councils to close recycling centres.

Perpetrators have left unwanted waste, washing machines and sofas on farm land and quiet roads, but the problem has existed long before skips and waste centres were closed down.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said the coronavirus crisis had “exacerbated” the problem of flytipping.

She said: “We are engaged in a continuing conversation with Sepa (environment watchdog), which is looking closely at a variety of ways of addressing the issue.

“It is clear that the problem has been exacerbated by the most recent experience. I understand why landowners are frustrated when, by law, they become responsible for what is on their land, but Murdo Fraser will know that such responsibilities are embedded in the law in Scotland.

“The big issue become show to manage the situation, make identifications and carry out enforcement. Compensation provision is available but that requires the individuals who have carried out the act to be identified.

“I have asked Sepa to look at whether there are better ways of managing the situation. I expect that conversation to continue.”

Mr Fraser added: “It is a huge source of frustration to farmers that they can be held liable for rubbish someone else dumps on their land illegally.

“This law needs reviewed urgently and I will be pressing the Scottish Government to address it.”

Picture: Steve Brown. Reports of fly-tipping on farmland have increased since the lockdown restrictions.