Cases of fly-tipping continue to fall across County Durham

In the last year, fewer than 6,000 incidents were recorded across the county, which is down from more than 8,000 the year before.

That amounts to just over 10 incidents per 1,000 population in County Durham, which is almost half the national rate.

There has also been a significant increase in the number of fines issued to those responsible for fly-tipping, with fines totalling more than £27,000 in the last year.

As well as on-the-spot £400 Fixed Penalty Notices, the Council has seized vehicles used for fly-tipping or waste crime offences and have brought an increased number of prosecutions to court in a bid to deter others from dumping waste.

It is also planning to remove an early payment discount on fines issued, which will prevent offenders paying £180 instead of £400 if paid early.

Cllr Mark Wilkes, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change (pictured alongside the yard clearance team) said: “Fly-tipping will not be tolerated in County Durham and we are pleased to see that levels have significantly reduced as we continue to tackle the issue.

“This is an issue that our communities raise. It is important to them and to us and we hope this highlights our commitment to taking action against anyone who is found to have dumped waste and to using both enforcement and education to reduce levels even further.

“We offer a number of services to support people with the removal of waste so there really is no excuse for dumping it. As well as a number of free household waste recycling centres across the county, people can pay a small fee for a bulky waste collection or take advantage of one of our many furniture reuse schemes – or the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling project.”

Fly-tipping can be reported here, by emailing help@durham.gov.uk, or by calling 03000 260 000. All calls are treated confidentially.