Over 2,700 flytipping incidents reported in Wiltshire in a year
There's only evidence or witnesses in 4% of the incidents though
There were 2,771 fly tip reports sent to Wiltshire Council in 2023/24, an increase of 5% from the previous year.
But according to the authority, only 4% of these reported crimes contained evidence or were witnessed.
The areas that saw the most reports were Trowbridge, Salisbury, and Chippenham, but areas across South Wiltshire also attracted fly-tippers along rural roads.
Since 2014 though, there has been significant improvement in the percentage of Wiltshire Council roads which were “predominantly free from litter and detritus”.
According to the figures, 85% of Wiltshire roads were free from litter in 2023/24.
When it comes to fly-tipping, the majority of the waste is of a domestic nature.
However, it becomes commercial activity if it has been collected for cash by unlicensed individuals making a profit.
The report notes that Wiltshire Council sees “large amounts” of green waste tipped from “rogue traders conducting ground or tree works”.
Residents are warned that many advertise on social media as a “man and a van”.
In July 2024, Wiltshire Council warned residents that in these cases, the original household could be liable for a £600 fixed penalty notice or prosecution.
Cllr Nick Holder, cabinet member for highways and street scene, said:
“Our award-winning We’re Targeting Fly-tippers (WTF) campaign has already taken great strides forward in reducing fly-tipping in Wiltshire and we are catching and prosecuting more offenders than ever before.
“However, we want to build on this through the Stop at Source (SAS) campaign, which warns people of the dangers of giving their rubbish to people who advertise ‘tip runs’ without taking the necessary steps to protect themselves.
“People need to know that if their rubbish is fly-tipped by another person, they could be issued with a fixed penalty notice or prosecuted.
“However, by checking the waste carriers licence, taking the vehicle details and getting a receipt, they are helping to protect themselves and are helping to Stop at Source.
“Everyone should be very wary of giving their rubbish to people who advertise tip runs – especially in social media groups – as these people can – and do – dump rubbish in our beautiful countryside.
“Even some licensed collectors have fly-tipped waste, so it is vital that people check vehicle details and get a receipt.”