A CRACKDOWN on fly-tipping and a bid to make it easier for people to dispose waste legally and at household recycling centres has been welcomed by West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
John Campion spoke out after the Government published a consultation on amending current laws to ensure waste can be disposed of properly, ending the blight on the countryside caused by fly tippers.
Fees for disposing DIY waste at council recycling centres in England could be banned under government plans.
Around a third of local authorities charge up to £10 an item for disposing of paving slabs, plasterboard, bricks and other materials.
More than one million fly-tipping incidents were recorded in 2021, costing local authorities almost £400million.
The proposed changes are contained in a technical consultation by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs that could lead to current legislation being amended.
In 2015, the government banned charges on local residents disposing of household rubbish at household waste centres.
Guidance made clear this includes DIY household waste. But some local authorities are still able to charge for certain types of DIY material, under rules designed for construction waste.
Mr Campion said the moves would make it easier for people to dispose of waste correctly and has already invested £100,000 to tackle fly-tipping across West Mercia.
“Fly-tipping is not a victimless crime, it’s costly to landowners, damages our environment and has links to organised crime.
“I absolutely welcome the announcement by Government and their renewed focus on tackling this harmful act. This additional commitment, and resources, brings another string to the bow to help some of our communities who are currently being blighted.”
