The real cost of fly-tipping

5:53am Saturday 29th March 2008

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Pembrokeshire tax-payers fork out huge amounts to pay for cleaning up fly-tipping problems, a cabinet member explained this week.

"Flytipping is a serious problem, not only in Pembrokeshire but across Britain," said Councillor Huw George, cabinet member for the environment.

"The clean-up of fly-tipped waste is paid for by landowners and the taxpayer to the tune of £100 to £150 million every year."

Unlawful disposal of refuse causes serious pollution to the environment, it may pose a significant human health risk and harm wildlife, and it spoils our enjoyment of the environment and satisfaction with our surroundings.

"The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 imposes a duty of care on all households and individuals to dispose of their waste in a safe, legal manner," said Cllr George.

"The act is founded upon the principle of the Polluter Pays.

"Whether you fly-tip or throw away a cigarette butt, you are failing your duty of care."

Pembrokeshire County Council is part of the Pride in Our Communities campaign, which aims to secure a long-term reduction in fly-tipping through community action, awareness raising and more effective enforcement.

The campaign is led by Environment Agency Wales and is supported by: Keep Wales Tidy; The Countryside Council for Wales; The Forestry Commission; Network Rail; Dwr Cymru, south Wales; North Wales, Gwent and Dyfed-Powys Police Forces; the 22 unitary authorities and the Welsh Assembly Government.