Record number of fly-tipping incidents in UK

WATERCOURSES have seen a 67% increase in fly-tipping over the past year, according to the latest figures.

The UK recorded 1.1 million incidents – the highest number recorded since 2008/ 09. Public footpaths and bridleways suffered the highest rate – an average of 543 incidents every day, a rise of more than 10% over the previous year – and incidents on agricultural land are up by more than a third (37%).

As a result, campaigners are warning of the impact on natural landscapes and those who enjoy the countryside in their free time are being encouraged to report incidents and vehicles involved in fly-tipping through the gov.uk website or FixMyStreet.

The litter goes beyond everyday items: over the last year, incidents of dumping tyres rose by a quarter and people discarding vehicle parts increased by 15%. Posing even more of a health risk, there was a 47% upturn in fly-tipping of chemical drums or oil/fuels. Offenders should remember that this can be punished with a maximum fine of £50,000, or even a jail sentence.

How can people help?

Support local groups and charities such as Keep Britain Tidy to tackle littering and educate communities;

Smokers should dispose of cigarettes – the most common form of litter globally – in a responsible manner, and those quitting smoking should practise responsible disposal of smoking cessation devices;

Organise company-sponsored clean-up days or start a litter action group through CleanupUK.