The Effects of Fly Tipping
This article will discuss the effects of fly-tipping, including the general pollution of our environment, wildlife habitats, contamination of hazardous materials, and the loss of recyclable materials. Our actions to prevent fly-tipping are part of the solution to this problem. Take litter home with you instead of discarding it in the open. Likewise, when you are on the streets or beaches, pick up litter you see and keep it out of the way.
Impacts of fly-tipping on wildlife
Fly-tipping is a common crime with serious consequences for the environment. It can poison rivers and canals and affect livestock and plants. Many of the chemicals in discarded waste are dangerous to wildlife, so it’s vital to dispose of them properly. Waste that ends up in waterways also attracts vermin and spreads disease. Unfortunately, some people think they won’t be caught and continue to fly-tip. However, the impact of fly-tipping on wildlife is much more serious than just the monetary costs.
If you spot a fly-tipper on the road, you can report them to the police. A police officer can seize the vehicle and prosecute the offender without the person’s presence. If the offence happens on your land, you can take photos of the tipped waste and seek compensation from the offender. This can be costly, so it is essential to report fly-tipping as soon as possible. In addition to causing health problems for wildlife, fly-tipping damages the environment.
It can contaminate waterways and kill nearby plants and animals. As a result, it’s important to prevent fly-tipping and ensure that the waste disposal site is properly maintained. The best way to ensure that fly-tipping doesn’t happen is to educate people about the environmental risks and the legal measures required to stop it.
Impacts of fly-tipping on property values
Fly-tipping is an increasing problem, affecting both the environment and property values. Although the cost of fly-tipping is primarily a financial burden for taxpayers, the impacts on property values are also significant. Fly-tipping is typically found in areas where it is difficult to monitor waste dumping. It also threatens the health of residents and causes short-term health conditions.
Defra commissioned research in the UK to understand fly-tipping issues and how to address them. A recent study of fly-tipping in England revealed that almost one million incidents took place there in 2017 – an increase of two per cent from the previous year. More than half of these incidents involved household waste, and nearly 65% were on highways. In addition, nearly two-fifths of the incidents occurred on pavements or roads.
The volume of waste deposited in such locations is equivalent to one small van load or car boot. To tackle fly-tipping, the government must develop updated guidance for private landowners. It must also explore alternative financial support mechanisms and promote the reuse and repair of fly tipped materials. It should also explore the potential role of technology in fly-tipping prevention and mitigation. This research must be accompanied by extensive data gathering. These studies will inform government policies and practices to address fly-tipping on land. And, if necessary, it will enable policymakers to take action to prevent it.
Costs of enforcement
The Government is spending over £50m a year to combat fly-tipping, but these figures only cover the costs of enforcing the law on public land. What about the costs to businesses and individuals responsible for disposing of waste incorrectly? Surely the costs must be spread across all sectors of society and be covered by the companies selling the goods? The Country Land and Business Association (CLBA), which represents 28,000 farmers and rural businesses, says it can easily be £100,000 to clean up just one big incident.
The cost of clearing up fly-tipping can vary greatly but is based on standard unit costs, which were calculated ten years ago and did not reflect current costs to Local Authorities. This is a major issue for businesses because they are unlikely to pay for their slick adverts. The costs of prosecuting individuals who do not comply with the law do not always result in a conviction. In some cases, the perpetrator may be given a conditional discharge, community service, a fine, or even a custodial sentence.
In cases where a vehicle is involved, the vehicle owner is liable for the costs of removing the waste from it. Even if the only identifiable vehicle is the vehicle tipped, the owner or the operator may be prosecuted. The details of seized vehicles are also published on the internet. Moreover, it is the responsibility of local authorities and the Environment Agency to deal with illegally deposited waste.
Costs to councils
The costs of fly-tipping to councils and private landowners are on the rise, with recent reports revealing record levels of the problem. According to a government report, the private sector is responsible for up to three times the amount of fly-tipping on their land as local authorities. Across England and Wales, fly-tipping clearance costs are estimated to reach £150 million a year. To better understand how fly-tipping costs local councils and the environment, please read TOG24’s report.
When you notice fly-tipping, it is your responsibility to clean it up. You can report the fly-tipping incident by contacting your local council. You need to tell the council exactly where the fly-tip occurred and the type of waste deposited to get an investigation started. Once the council receives your report, they will investigate the incident and take steps to prosecute you. Keep all receipts and record your costs, as you may be asked to repay them.
Councils are struggling to cope with the rising costs of fly-tipping. Almost a thousand fly-tips are discovered in England every single day. That’s 114 fly-tips per hour, making the cost of tackling fly-tipping rising in England and Wales 7%. In addition, councils may have to spend extra money cleaning up the mess. In the last three years alone, council fly-tipping costs have risen to £250 million, which is set to rise even further.
Costs to businesses
A government report reveals that fly-tipping costs on private land are three times higher than the cost of clearing the rubbish from council land. The report shows that in England alone, the costs of fly-tipping are £150 million each year and that the cost of removing the waste reaches £50 million. It is clear that there is a huge problem with fly-tipping, but what can be done to reduce the number of incidents and increase the cost of removing the rubbish?
According to Defra, fly-tipping costs businesses £50m a year. It is the responsibility of companies selling consumer goods to take responsibility. Farmers, meanwhile, are concerned about the costs of fly-tipping on their private land. Government figures only include incidents on public land. According to the Country Land and Business Association, a fly-tipping incident resulted in a bill of over £100,000 incurred by a single member.
The Environment Agency estimates that fly-tipping occurs every 12 months. Its statistics show that over 900,000 incidents are reported every year. In addition, the Environment Agency will investigate incidents involving hazardous waste and more than 75 litres. However, legal costs are borne by the landowner. So, businesses need to ensure that their business is insured for fly-tipping costs. But how can a business make sure that it is covered?
Costs to communities
A new report has revealed fly-tipping costs to communities across Northern Ireland. Local councils spent over £2 million last year cleaning up rubbish on their streets, but the true costs of fly-tipping are likely to be much higher. The figures do not include the cost of small scale cleanups by local councils. Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful publishes a report on littering each year, which shows the true cost of fly-tipping to communities in the region.
Moreover, fly-tipping has far-reaching consequences, from wildlife and farm animals to public health. In urban areas, the impact can be far more serious. It can pollute local waterways, contaminate surrounding land, and harm human health. Further, the costs of rubbish removal could be high, putting private landowners and council taxpayers at risk. However, some steps can be taken to reduce the costs of fly-tipping.
The NRCN also points out that fly-tipping enforcement in local communities can be much higher than the costs of cleaning up the rubbish. In some cases, the cost of fly-tipping enforcement can exceed £50,000. Further, those responsible for fly-tipping must take steps to avoid being left with a bill. In some cases, fly-tipping can be punishable by a prison sentence of five years.
The Effects of Fly Tipping – Learn more about UK business waste statistics here
Other useful links from our Commercial Waste Centre
Why Should Your Business Go Paperless?
Choosing a Garage Waste Management Service
Developing an EMS for Hazardous Waste
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