In response to the growing problem of fly-tipping across the UK during the Covid-19 lockdown, sustainable waste management company Biffa has today (30 April) launched an initiative to help businesses tackle illegal dumping on their land.
Biffa’s new mobile application for recording fly-tipping incidents and fly-tipping clearance service which allows organisations such as retailers, private landowners and estate managers to report incidents of fly-tipping and its exact location using GPS – Biffa will then attend and remove the material typically within 24 hours, before processing it in the most environmentally responsible way possible.
The data collected will be made available to DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) to contribute to overall national fly-tipping statistics.
The app has been launched in response to the increase in fly-tipping since lockdown began, with local councils reporting sharp rises and The Countryside Alliance describing a 300% rise in incidents in some areas.
It is a crime that damages our health, the environment and businesses in what is already an extremely challenging time. I hope our new initiative to help tackle fly-tipping will provide some relief.
The removal of fly-tipping, which is punishable by a fine of up to £50,000 or up to five years in prison, has been declared a high priority service by DEFRA during the coronavirus crisis as a build-up of waste poses public health concerns.
George Pearce, Commercial Development Manager at Biffa, commented: “It’s unfortunate to see that the current crisis is serving to exacerbate the already significant and growing problem of fly tipping.
“It is a crime that damages our health, the environment and businesses in what is already an extremely challenging time. I hope our new initiative to help tackle fly-tipping will provide some relief.
“I would also take this opportunity to warn individuals and businesses against the risk of employing unregistered waste removal services, which have become more prolific since the lockdown began. These services are illegal, can be part of organised crime groups and are often the perpetrators of fly-tipping.”
“Not a victimless crime”
Sarah Lee, Head of Policy at the Countryside Alliance, added: “The images of fly-tipping, though horrendous, are an all too familiar sight and an issue the Countryside Alliance has long campaigned on which is why we welcome this initiative by Biffa to tackle the increase in fly-tipping at these uncertain times.
I”t shouldn’t need saying that driving to dump rubbish in your town at the side of the road or in the countryside is not essential travel.
Please remember that fly-tipping is not a victimless crime and has a significant impact on our rural areas and wildlife
“Not only are you committing an offence by littering, but you are also ignoring guidance that has been introduced to stop the spread of this dangerous virus.
“Please remember that fly-tipping is not a victimless crime and has a significant impact on our rural areas and wildlife.”