People in Bristol urged to report fly-tipping ahead of Halloween and Bonfire Night
Dumped waste can be used for unofficial bonfires and pose an explosion risk
Avon Fire & Rescue Service, Bristol City Council and Bristol Waste Company are urging people in Bristol to report fly-tipping as more waste is being found in communities ahead of Halloween and Bonfire Night.
The organisations say fly-tipped household waste, including sofas, wood and mattresses, can quickly become a fire risk when dumped in parks and open spaces.
They say waste collected for unofficial bonfires can also put nearby homes, businesses, open spaces and wildlife at risk.
According to the organisations, piles containing hazardous items such as batteries, gas canisters or vapes can become explosion risks.
They say fires can quickly become out of control, as well as leaking dangerous chemicals into the air and contaminating Bristol's communities and local environments.
People are being encouraged to report any fly-tipped rubbish as soon as possible so it can be removed safely before it becomes a larger problem.
What the fire service, council and waste company said
Ben Thompson, Prevention Group Manager at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, said: "In the lead-up to Halloween and Bonfire Night, we often see an increase in fly-tipped waste that can end up being used for unofficial bonfires. These fires can be unpredictable and dangerous, particularly when unknown materials are involved and can lead to serious injuries."
He added: "We would encourage residents to report fly-tipping as soon as they see it so it can be removed safely. By working together, we can reduce fire risks and help keep our communities safe during the autumn season."
Councillor Abi Finch, Chair of Bristol City Council's Environment and Sustainability Committee, said: "Not only is fly-tipping illegal, but it also creates a significant safety risk for local communities and can harm wildlife and the environment. In the run-up to Bonfire Night, illegally dumped waste can become a source of fuel for unauthorised fires, increasing the risk of injury and damage to property and public spaces."
She added: "We encourage residents to report any fly-tipped waste on FixMyStreet including photographs and information on the size, location and type of waste as soon as possible so that officers can investigate and crews can remove it. If we identify a clear link to who is responsible, we will issue a fixed penalty notice or take the offender to court."
She also said: "Early reporting helps us to remove potential hazards and supports our work with partners to keep our neighbourhoods clean and safe."
Ricky Gayfer, Operations Director for Bristol Waste Company, said: "We are all responsible for disposing of household waste legally. By doing this it means that those materials are dealt with appropriately and we keep our neighbourhoods safe."
He added: "Illegally dumped waste, even if it's next to a litter bin, impacts local communities and can be dangerous."
He also said: "Everyday items, from fence panels to soft furnishings, are often treated with dangerous chemicals to make them weather-proof or flame retardant, and items with batteries contain potentially poisonous chemicals."
He went on to say: "Setting waste on fire puts the chemicals directly into the air we breathe. Meaning, it not only risks out of control fires in our city, but it can poison our local environment."
Mr Gayfer also said: "Check online to find your nearest Household Reuse and Recycling Centre, dispose of waste and recycling via your weekly collections or hire a licensed waste carrier to remove bulky items."
How to report fly-tipping
Anyone who spots fly-tipped waste in Bristol is asked to report it to Bristol City Council using the FixMyStreet online reporting form.
When reporting, people should provide the location of the waste, a description of the items, photographs if it is safe to take them, and any information or evidence they have about those responsible.
Recycling and safe disposal of waste
The organisations say there are lots of ways to dispose of waste that are both legal and safe.
Used batteries and small electrical items can be recycled from the kerbside by placing them inside a separate, clear, untied bag in a black recycling box.
Larger electrical appliances, empty gas canisters, wood, mattresses and furniture can be taken to one of Bristol's three Household Reuse and Recycling Centres, which people in Bristol can use for free.
People can also book a bulky waste collection, and there are licensed charities that collect some bulky items for free if they can be reused.
Bonfire safety reminders
The organisations have shared simple steps to stay safe this autumn:
Attend organised bonfire and fireworks events where possible.
Never use fly-tipped waste or abandoned materials for a bonfire.
Check bonfire piles carefully for wildlife before lighting.
Keep children and pets well away from bonfires and fireworks.
Report fly-tipping and suspicious activity in your area.
They say reporting dumped waste early can help prevent dangerous bonfires, protect local wildlife and reduce the risk of fires in communities.