Community Response to Fly-Tipping

Fly-tipped waste is an environmental problem and a major inconvenience for residents across the United Kingdom. Although fly-tipping appear in rural areas, the problem is most severe in urban areas. Recent investigations report evidence of criminal activity involved with fly-tipping. Because the act is not considered illegal when practiced by individual members of the public, enforcement can be challenging. However, local officials have been cracking down on offenders lately.Fly-tipping has always been a controversial and emotive topic. There are those who view littering and fly-tipping as an act committed by lawless, nondiscriminating people and those who believe it is the work of certain rotten individuals. While research shows that fly-tippers usually do not intend to mislead others into thinking they’re disposing of their waste properly, it can be incredibly difficult to track down the culprits.

Fly-Tipping Taking Off in UK Amid Pandemic

Fly-tipping has taken off in the past year since the pandemic struck. Since April last year  fly-tipping has risen 300%  in the UK, according to a local council, and many communities have been working tirelessly to not only reverse the trend but also keep their neighbourhoods clean.It’s been months since the epic failure of the Global COVID-19 pandemic and communities across the UK are still cleaning up the mess. Fly-tipping is plaguing areas across the country, spoiling unspoiled wilderness, and making it difficult to enjoy once-pristine natural areas.The recent COVID-19 pandemic in the UK has had unintended consequences, one of which is a 300% increase in fly-tipping. The  rise in waste seems to be partly due to local authorities and businesses stockpiling waste at secret locations to prevent the spread of infection.Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste materials, and it’s taking off. More so than you might think, in fact. In the UK alone, fly-tipping is on the rise and has increased 300% since the start of this year’s COVID-19 pandemic.Fly-tipping, the illegal deposit of waste in the open environment, has multiplied 300% since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pandemic Fuels Increase in Fly-Tipping

While the flu pandemic has decreased in early March, it has actually spurred a rise in fly-tipping. The fear of spreading germs has led to restrictions on personal contacts and social gatherings. This has meant that many who would normally be disposing of their trash outside have not been able to do so. Additionally, businesses and public organizations, while working to remain open for as many hours as possible, have had trouble keeping up with demand or finding timely waste removal services. This has resulted in an increase in the amount of hard-to-recycle items, such as disposable protective materials and single use plastic containers from deliveries like food services.The effort to prevent the spread of disease in the event of a flu pandemic, has taken its toll on common household waste sites. New research by Eunomia Research & Consulting for the National Fly-Tipping Prevention Service (NFTPS) reveals there has been a marked increase in fly-tipping of specific items and food.With thanks to Dr. Tash Shifrin, consultant in communicable disease control & public health medicine, and her excellent overview of the Influenza A/H1N1 outbreak outbreak now (almost) behind us, for thoughts on the likely impact on waste management and recycling.