Fly-tipping on the rise across Highland
Police officers are advising locals to ensure waste carriers have a licence
There has been an increase in fly-tipping across the North of Scotland, as well as a rise in "dump run" ads on social media.
Highland police officers are advising local residents to check the credentials of their waste carrier.
A Highland & Islands Division spokesperson said: "Very often these operators do not have the correct paperwork to dispose of waste items and as a result the waste is dumped in rural areas.
"If you contract a 'man with a van' to do your 'dump run' there are some simple checks you can do."
Police are advising locals to record names, phone numbers and vehicle registrations.
They said operators should also be able to provide a waste carrier's receipt.
Compulsory licence for waste carriers
All waste carriers are required to hold a licence, which can be checked on SEPA's website.
James Higgins from the Environment agency told us what else people should consider.
He said: "It's not just that registration, it's the carrier that's important.
"It's the location that they're taking the waste material to on your behalf. You've got to take responsibility for that too and ask those questions.
"It's frustrating for the public and for Scotland's reputation too.
"It's also quite a time consuming exercise for us to investigate fly-tipping and ascertain who is responsible for it."
There are around 60,000 reports of fly-tipping in Scotland every year, with an estimated cost to the taxpayer of around 8.9 million pounds.
As with other forms of littering, dumping waste is illegal and can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £40,000.
If you see any instances of fly-tipping, you can contact your local authority who will investigate.
You can also contact your local authority in order to arrange a collection of unwanted household items.