Council fly-tipping figures published
Fly-tipping figures for 2013/14 have today been published by the Environment Agency.
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fly-tipping-in-england
They show there has been a year-on-year increase in cases here in Birmingham of 15.26 per cent - but the national average increase is greater at 20 per cent.
Commenting on the data, Cllr Lisa Trickett, Cabinet Member for a Green, Smart and Sustainable City, said: “These figures are incredibly disappointing for the city of Birmingham, but are better than the national average increase for incidents dealt with by all councils, which is up 20 per cent.
“We need to be clear that although unfair central government cuts are hitting us hard and led to the end of free bulky waste and special street collections, this is actually about a small, but increasing, number of people who think they can throw a mattress, fridge or a sofa out into the street with the expectation that the council will pick it up for free.
“As a society we have got to understand that a ‘throw first, think later’ attitude is not sustainable in the long term for Birmingham or society as a whole.
“There needs to be greater civic pride and an understanding that if people can afford to buy a new piece of furniture or a new appliance, that they need to factor in the costs of lawful disposal – which could be through our chargeable bulky waste service or by a trip to one of our tips, where disposal is free of charge.
“It must also be remembered these figures also only cover the first few weeks of the new paid-for garden recycling service, the impact of which will be reflected in next year’s figures.
“Now the various changes to our waste services have had time to bed in, we have been clear that we will use all the powers available to use to take enforcement action and prosecute anyone who does fly-tip in this city – regardless of whether it is garden waste, a piece of furniture or anything else – and would in the strictest confidence.â€
ENDS
For more media information please contact Kris Kowalewski on 0121 303 3621
