Fly-tipping in Blaenau Gwent has dropped by over 40% in the last three years, initial figures have shown.
There were 1,661 incidents of fly tipping recorded in the area during 2020/21 but by 2023/24 this figure has nearly halved, falling to 950 incidents. The reduction in fly tipping has corresponded with a significant increase in enforcement action, with 243 £400 fixed penalty notices issued, to a total value of over £97,000, for fly tipping offences since 2021.
In addition, the prosecution of individuals and businesses for a total of 43 different waste offences since 2022 has seen the courts hand out nearly £24,000 in fines and costs against those prosecuted.
The Council has been responding to fly-tipping in a new and innovative way, focussing proactively on prevention methods; using surveillance equipment and, where evidence can be gathered, pursuing a penalty for those responsible.
Cllr Helen Cunningham, the Council’s Deputy Leader, and Cabinet Member for Place & Environment says:
“It’s no longer just about clearing up fly-tipping after it happens, we are proactively tackling the issue and bringing more people to justice for this climate crime than ever before. There is no reason to fly-tip, it’s lazy and disrespectful to our landscape and the people who live in and take pride on their communities.
“One of our priorities in our Corporate Plan 2022/27 is responding to the nature and climate crisis and getting to grips with fly-tippers ensures waste is disposed of in the correct way for its onward journey and that wildlife are protected.
“Our officers have been using CCTV systems, carrying out proactive audits of business waste disposal routes and the closer working between our Cleansing and Enforcement Teams has resulted in the successful recovery of evidence and pursuit of criminal investigations. We have a very effective waste enforcement service that is delivering a year-on-year reduction in the number of fly tipping incidents occurring in its area.”
*Figures are waiting validation from Natural Resources Wales.
