Fly-tipping drops as campaign continues to crack down

For the fourth year running, Harborough District Council’s ‘Tip-Off’ campaign has achieved a reduction of fly tips. It aims to inform the public about how they can report illegally dumped rubbish and prevent it.

A total of 728 incidents were reported in 2018/19 compared to 317 at the end of March in 2022/23.

Throughout the campaign, the council’s environmental crime team has consistently worked with residents, parishes and other groups to crack down and enforce on fly-tipping.

Undercover surveillance cameras have been used at hot spot areas across Harborough district and visible signs have been put up making it clear to fly-tippers they are being watched.

In partnership with its waste contractor FCC Environment, the council is carrying out daily foot and vehicle patrols across 237 square miles to gather evidence and is working with closely with the police and rural crime team to check waste carriers licenses.

Russell Smith, Head of Environmental Services and Community Safety at Harborough District Council, said: “There figures are very encouraging, and show communities we are leading the way on busting this type of crime to keep the Harborough district cleaner and greener. I would like to thank residents for their support and encourage them to keep coming forward to report fly-tipping as it is illegal and antisocial.

“Neither the council nor residents want to see our beautiful district blighted by fly-tipping so we will continue to work tirelessly to stop it. The council has a zero tolerance approach and will hold people to account whenever we can.”

Fly-tippers can be issued with a £400 fine if caught, without the need for the council to prosecute through the courts. You can report a fly tip here: www.harborough.gov.uk/tip-off