The Facts About Fly Tipping and What You Can Do About It
Fly tipping is the secret, illegal and completely reprehensible practice of disposing of unwanted rubbish by simply depositing it in the nearest public space. Often, fly-tipped waste will be dumped directly from the back of a lorry or van onto property that’s accessible to members of the general public. If you’ve ever witnessed a piece of fly-tipped waste you’ll know that it can be almost anything: old mattresses, broken tables, piles of wooden pallets and even old fridges are regularly discarded in this way. Unfortunately, there are many people who don’t realise how damaging both financially and environmentally fly tipping can be. After all, these reckless individuals have chosen to take their rubbish out on a public road rather than find a reputable business that specialises in confidential waste disposal services…
Why Does Fly Tipping Happen?
The truth is that fly tipping is an illegal activity and should be avoided at all costs. Unfortunately, many people feel that they can get away with carrying out a quick fly tip and then driving away without being identified. However, this is a misconception and those who are caught fly tipping will be liable for criminal charges and the removal of their rubbish at their own expense when a local council or waste management company discovers it. There are a number of reasons why people tip, including:
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The person responsible doesn’t realise how damaging their actions are.
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They’re trying to get rid of furniture or other items that they can’t legally dispose of through their council.
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They’re hoping to avoid paying a visit to their local waste disposal facility.
The Environmental Impact of Fly Tipping
It’s shocking to think that careless individuals have chosen to dump their rubbish in public spaces like parks and roadside verges. But this is a common practice in many areas of Britain with many fly tipping hotspots developing as time goes on. Unfortunately, fly tipping has a huge impact on the surrounding environment and can cause serious harm to local wildlife. This is because discarded rubbish isn’t just a bit of an eyesore; it can also contain harmful substances that can seep into the ground and pollute nearby water sources. Healthy wetlands are essential habitats for many species of animals and plants, so the introduction of harmful chemicals is particularly damaging to these environments. If a piece of fly-tipped waste contains toxic substances, it can seep into the ground and pollute nearby water sources.
Financial Costs of Fly Tipping
Unfortunately, not only is fly tipping harmful to the environment; it’s also extremely costly for legitimate waste disposal businesses who have to clear up after negligent individuals. Unfortunately, waste clearance companies are often left picking up the pieces after fly tippers have discarded their rubbish in public spaces. This means that legitimate waste disposal businesses have to take the rubbish away and dispose of it safely, often at a cost to the taxpayer. A single incident can cost local authorities thousands of pounds in clean-up costs, so it’s a huge burden on the public purse. Unfortunately, those who have chosen to fly tip their rubbish will have to foot the bill, so it’s important to take steps to avoid this terrible situation happening to you.
Finding a Solution to Fly Tipping
If you’re reading this article and you’re wondering what you can do to protect yourself from fly tippers and other irresponsible individuals, there are a few things you can do. First, it’s important to understand what types of waste disposal facilities are available in your area. You may have a local recycling centre where you can take many unwanted materials, including furniture and electrical appliances. If you have more hazardous materials such as tyres or toxic substances, you may need to find a specialist waste disposal company in your area. It’s also important to remember that you can’t dump certain things in public spaces, so always check with your local authority before disposing of any waste.
Conclusion
Fly tipping can happen to anyone and is often the result of a lack of awareness. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can protect yourself from being a victim of this careless practice. The first thing you can do is check with your council to see what type of waste disposal facilities are available in your area. You can then decide whether you’d like to use their services or find a more cost-effective way to get rid of unwanted materials. Finally, it’s important to remember that you can’t just dump your waste anywhere. You should always check whether you can dispose of your materials legally and responsibly before taking any action.