Staged fly-tip in Tavistock turns heads to raise awareness of illegal dumping

A fly-tip has been staged in Tavistock to raise awareness of the serious damage caused by illegal dumping and to show residents how easily incidents can be reported.

The event took place on Tuesday, October 14 at Anderton Lay-by on the A386 (PL19 9FT), organised by West Devon Borough Council in partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police.

The realistic display featured the types of waste commonly dumped in rural areas, including white goods and old furniture. 

READ NEXT: Historic Dartmoor pub on the market after 125 years of family ownership

Officers were on hand to speak with passers-by about the environmental, social, and financial impact of fly-tipping, as well as the importance of using licensed waste carriers and disposing of waste responsibly.

ABOVE: The staged fly-tip was fully supervised and cleared away after the event (Credit: West Devon Borough Council)

Cllr Adam Bridgewater, Lead Member for Neighbourhood Services at West Devon Borough Council, said: “Fly-tipping spoils our beautiful countryside and places an unfair burden on local taxpayers and landowners. We are committed to tackling this issue, raising awareness, and taking enforcement action where necessary.

“Please dispose of your waste responsibly and report any incidents you see. Working together, we can keep West Devon clean and safe for everyone.”

PC Julian Fry from Devon and Cornwall Police added: “Fly-tipping causes significant harm to the environment and wildlife. This event helped show the public what an illegal dump looks like and gave us the chance to discuss how to report it.

“Anyone with information about fly-tipping should contact their local council, or the Environment Agency for larger incidents. If you see a crime in progress or waste causing an obstruction on a road, call 999.”

Fly-tipping is a criminal offence that can result in fines of up to £50,000 in Magistrates’ Courts, unlimited fines in higher courts, and possible prison sentences.

Members of the public who witness fly-tipping or find dumped waste are encouraged to report it directly to West Devon Borough Council via the council’s website at www.westdevon.gov.uk/report-it or by calling 01822 813600. 

For larger-scale or hazardous waste, reports should be made to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 807 060. 

ABOVE: West Devon Borough Council, in partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police (Credit: West Devon Borough Council)

If waste is causing an obstruction on a road, or if a crime is in progress, residents should call 999.

Residents are also reminded to dispose of their waste responsibly. Everyday household rubbish and recycling should be placed in the regular kerbside collections, while larger items can be taken to the nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre. 

For bulky items such as fridges, sofas, or beds, the council offers a bulky waste collection service for a small fee. 

Anyone using a private waste collector should always ensure they are a Licensed Waste Carrier, which can be checked via the Environment Agency’s website.