A report to the Environment and Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel (PDSP) highlights the council's ongoing work to reduce fly-tipping and protect local communities from the environmental and financial impact of illegally dumped waste. The report outlines an intelligence-led approach that combines prevention, improved reporting, targeted enforcement and partnership working to address the issue.
Fly-tipping remains a significant challenge for all councils, affecting communities, damaging the environment and placing pressure on public resources.
Data highlights that more waste is being removed from West Lothian's communities now than over the past few years, but that there has been no increase in 'traditional' types of fly-tipping incidents over the past three years.
Instead, illegal disposal practices, the use of unlicensed waste carriers and irresponsible waste disposal behaviour remain the primary causes of the problem. Commercial companies are legally required to pay to dispose of their waste at commercial recycling centres. Some avoid these charges by fly-tipping.
The report also notes that evidence does not support a direct link between the Community Recycling Centre booking system and increased levels of fly-tipping.
Incidents of commercial fly-tipping and other factors are included as part of the council's overall data collection.
· When community litter picks take place, bags of waste are left on paths at litter bins for the council to collect. This is also recorded as fly-tipping. Therefore, given West Lothian's strong record of community clean ups, this has a significant impact on the data. There was also a longer Spring Clean programme this year, so the amount of community clean ups and waste removed was greater than in previous years.
· A significant amount of waste removed from illegal encampments
· Improved reporting mechanisms, increased public awareness and enhanced detection through CCTV have also helped identify and remove more waste, contributing to higher recorded tonnage figures.
The report shows, growing community participation and stronger enforcement outcomes over the last three years, helping the council identify offenders and respond more effectively to incidents. Fixed Penalty Notices of up to £500 can be issued where there is evidence of fly-tipping, with prosecution considered for serious or repeat offences. Since January of this year, nearly £10,000 has been recovered through Fixed Penalty Notices.
The council's dedicated enforcement team investigates all reported incidents, working alongside operational teams to ensure waste is removed quickly from public land. Most reported fly-tipping on public land is cleared within three working days in town centres and within five working days in residential and rural areas. The removal of fly tipping from private land is the responsibility of the landowner.
West Lothian Council will continue to build on its current programme through further investment in CCTV infrastructure, ongoing support for community-led initiatives and continued partnership working with organisations including Police Scotland, SEPA, Scottish Water and Scottish Power Renewables.
Residents can report incidents of fly-tipping through the council's website and are reminded to ensure anyone removing waste on their behalf is a licensed waste carrier.
Executive councillor for Environment and Sustainability Tom Conn said: " Fly-tipping is not a victimless crime. It impacts all who live in the area through both the cost of clear up and the obvious negative effect on our local environment and wildlife. The message is simple, Fly Tipping is a criminal offence and not acceptable under any circumstance. Anyone caught doing so will be pursued. Evidence still suggests that the majority of fly tipping activity is carried out by commercial operators. It is imperative that residents ensure anyone taking away their waste has an appropriate waste carriers license in place. I'd like to thank residents and volunteering groups like West Lothian Litter Pickers for their continued engagement and please ask people to keep reporting any incidents of fly-tipping through the West Lothian Council website."
