ALMOST 2,000 incidents of fly-tipping were recorded across Dorset last year, figures have revealed - leading to warnings to residents to make sure they hire professionals to dispose of their waste correctly or face prosecution.

The 1,937 fly-tipping incidents in 2020/21 are up four per cent from the 1,870 recorded during the previous 12 months, according to data from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Dorset Council admit most fly-tips are household waste and are tackling the ‘selfish’ dumps in multiple ways. They have issued over a quarter more fixed penalties for fly-tipping offences than the previous year.

Cllr Laura Miller, Dorset Council's Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services, said: “While the 4% increase in Dorset fly-tipping is well below the national average, it is still disappointing.

“There has been a gradual rise in fly-tipping incidents for many years now, and we have been tackling this concern on many fronts.

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“Our multi-agency SCRAP campaign informs people of their responsibilities when dealing with waste, and we have increased our enforcement activities across the county to identify, track down and prosecute offenders, with over 25% more fixed penalties issued specifically for fly-tipping compared with the previous year.

“Most fly-tips consist of household waste that can be taken to any one of our 10 recycling centres – open daily from 9am - and disposed of free of charge, so there are no excuses for fly-tipping.

“It’s unsightly and both damaging and dangerous to the environment, and the actions of the lazy and selfish people who feel fly-tipping is an acceptable means of disposing of their waste are a drain on public funds that would be better spent on essential services.

“We all have a part to play in stopping this anti-social behaviour and with both the public and agencies working together, we can make a positive impact.”

Residents are being reminded of the importance of hiring a reputable company to dispose of waste correctly.

Daniel Cole, office manager for Portland Skips, said: “As a well-known waste disposal company in the area, it pains us when we see our beautiful county tainted by fly-tipping.

“More often than not, though, the person who the waste belongs to was not the one who dumped it, but rather a small firm that has taken the job for a small fee.

“We appreciate that money is tight for many people right now, but we always advise people to use reputable sources for their waste disposal.

“Cheaper is not always better, unfortunately, and it could cost you far more in the long run if the waste can be traced back to you.

“Ten minutes of research into a company could potentially save you thousands in fines, and even a visit from the authorities.

“But using a company that is dedicated to the appropriate recycling and disposal of waste will ensure that we keep Dorset looking as beautiful as the area deserves.”

If you hand your rubbish to someone else it is still your legal responsibility until it is correctly disposed of. If a ‘man in a van’ collected your waste and then fly-tipped it, you could end up paying a fine or facing court.

Fly-tipping incidents can be reported at the Dorset Council website or by calling 01305 221040.