The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has adopted an invaluable database which will not only assist in building up a true picture of the extent of fly-tipping, but help track those who illegally dump waste.
Fly Capture is an electronic system which records the amount and type of waste illegally fly tipped in Scotland. It also enables local authorities to input data and calculate the costs for clearing the problem.
Archie Rowatt of SEPA said: "Fly-capture is hosted by the Environment Agency and data collected from England and Wales has already helped our counterparts south of the border to tackle the problem by focussing resources, targeting hotspots and identifying trends.
"We have just adopted it and we hope it will aid us in shaping the type of strategy needed to tackle fly tipping in the future."
From 5-10 June 2006, SEPA is once again targeting businesses and individuals who
flaunt the law by dumping their rubbish irresponsibly during a dedicated fly- tipping enforcement week.
Working alongside a host of agencies such as local authorities, the police and Network Rail, SEPA will be carrying out surveillance operations at well know fly- tipping hotspots, as well as stop and searches of vehicles to check for waste carriers licences.
Archie added: "Fly-tipping is a blight on the community and very costly to clear up. This week is about raising awareness. Everyone should consider the impacts of their actions whether it is in the home, business or local community.
"This is a high profile campaign and we will be using intelligence gathered from previous similar events to target illegal dumpers as well as performing duty of care audits."
The enforcement week is part of the Scottish Fly-tipping Forum's Dumb Dumpers Initiative. Anyone wishing to report fly-tipping can do so in confidence by calling the Stopline on 0845 2 30 40 90.
David McPherson the National Fly-tipping Prevention Officer said: "We hope that local authorities, SEPA and the Police all take the chance over this week to learn new skills from each other. If they can work closely together and understand each others problems they will become an effective unit and start to make a difference in the fight against this national problem.
"The public can also help in this campaign by using only authorised waste carriers.
It is better to refuse to use illegal carriers than to run the risk of a fine. Household waste can be taken to recycle facilities free of charge or check regarding a bulky uplift service. There may be a small charge for this service but it will be far less than the cost of hiring a van or paying a fine for dumping it illegally."
The Scottish Fly-tipping Forum is funded by the Scottish Executive and is run by Keep Scotland Beautify. For further details, including forum members please contact David McPherson, Fly-tipping Prevention Officer on 01786 871263 visit www.dumbdumpers.org
To check for registered waste carriers, visit HERE
