The council has reaffirmed it “will not tolerate rubbish being dumped” after the number of fly tipping incidents in Blackburn with Darwen was revealed in newly-released figures.
Figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs show there were 4,167 fly-tipping incidents in the borough in the 12 months to March 2023, coming down from 4,383 in the previous year – a drop of just under five per cent.
In Blackburn with Darwen, most fly-tipped waste was discovered in back alleyways, accounting for 55 per cent of recorded incidents.
This was followed by 25 per cent on footpaths and bridleways.
The largest proportion of discarded waste was household waste, making up 42 per cent of all incidents.
Cllr Jim Smith, executive member for environment at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We want our residents to be proud of where they live.
"We do not tolerate rubbish being dumped, ruining the appearance of our neighbourhoods, and bringing health and safety risks.
“When fly tipping is reported to us, our Environmental Crime team investigate to try and identify the offenders.
"Where possible, we will take enforcement action against the offenders – fly tippers can face an unlimited fine, or six months imprisonment, or both.
READ MORE: Darwen fly tipper in court for dumping rubbish in Blackburn
“Our Environmental Education team also work with residents in neighbourhoods where fly tipping and dumped rubbish is an issue, for example in back streets and alleyways.
"The team go out and speak to residents to educate them about the right ways to dispose of their waste and to encourage them to recycle as much as they can.
“I would also add that my advice to anyone who pays a waste carrier to remove waste from their homes should ask to see their license to be confident it will be disposed of correctly.”
The council cannot remove fly tipping that has been dumped on privately maintained land, but can investigate incidents to try and identify the offenders.
Across England, local authorities dealt with slightly fewer incidents in 2022-23 – 1.08 million compared to 1.09m in 2021-22.
However, environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy warned the number of ‘tipper lorry load’ size or larger incidents has increased by 13 per cent.
Allison Ogden-Newton, chief executive of the charity, said: “It is time for the public and our justice system to say ‘enough is enough’ and tackle the selfish vandals who are trashing our environment for profit.
READ MORE: Bags of rubbish dumped on busy road in Blackburn
“The public can play their part by ensuring they only give their unwanted ‘stuff’ to reputable, licensed waste carriers who will dispose of it correctly and the courts must help by using the considerable sentencing powers they have to order hefty fines and even jail ‘professional fly-tippers’ when they are caught.”
The number of fixed penalty notices issued across the country fell from 91,000 in 2021-22 to 73,000 in 2022-23, with 1,022 in Blackburn with Darwen.
While the average court fine increased by 13 per cent to £526, there were fewer fines given last year, with a total value of £785,000 compared to £837,000 in the year before.
In Blackburn, £44,978 was paid by those found guilty of fly-tipping.
Darren Rodwell, environment spokesperson for the Local Government Association, said: “Fly-tipping is inexcusable.
"It is not only an eyesore for residents, but a serious public health risk, creating pollution and attracting rats and other vermin.
“This decrease in fly-tipping is positive, and a testament to the hard work of councils. We continue to urge the government to review sentencing guidelines for fly-tipping, so that offenders are given bigger fines for more serious offences to act as a deterrent.
“Manufacturers should also contribute to the costs to councils of clear-up, by providing more take-back services so people can hand in old furniture and mattresses when they buy new ones.”
Recycling minister Robbie Moore added the government will be issuing additional grants to tackle fly-tipping, with higher £1,000 on-the-spot fines for offenders, and powers to stop, search, and seize vehicles suspected of being used for fly-tipping.
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