Although fly-tipping has always been a problem for local councils, we’ve recently seen a marked increase in fly-tipping incidents up and down the country due to the impact of the coronavirus restrictions that are currently in place.
Unsurprisingly, with local recycling centres now shut and waste collection services drastically reduced throughout the UK, residents and local businesses are struggling to dispose of their unwanted rubbish unless they use private rubbish removal firms instead (many of which are also closed).
Hiring a skip would be a great option if you can find a company to deliver one to you. If you do decide to go down this route remember it’s extremely important to load your skip properly, Make sure you consider the size that you’ll need so that you don’t end up with an overloaded skip that can’t be taken away. Read our guide on how to load a skip correctly.
Councils suggest we don’t Spring clean or do DIY
At present, people stuck at home are being urged to avoid any activities that are likely to lead to the accumulation of waste at home if they’re unable to get rid of it afterwards. As a result, having a clearout to declutter the loft, garden or garage might not be a good idea if it’s likely to lead a mountain of rubbish at the end. Similarly, if you want to keep busy and you’re intending to undertake a DIY task such as knocking down a wall or refitting your kitchen, it might not be a good idea if you can’t get rid of the fallout afterwards.
The main problem appears to be that, since few alternatives are available in many areas, people undertaking jobs at home like the ones above are either dumping their rubbish at the side of the road are putting it in their cars and driving to other locations to dump it in secret.
Recycling centres shut and council collections suspended
Up until recently, you could either pay a private waste management company to take your large and small items or pay the council to do so, but with many authorities suspending this service as well as closing their recycling centres, it’s now even harder to get rid of things like old clothing, toys, fridges, cookers, furniture and mattresses. To compound the problem, it’s unlikely that charity shops will be collecting in your area at the moment either.
Unfortunately, it hasn’t stopped a lot of people and we’re now seeing a significant increase in fly-tipping in rural areas too, with secluded country lanes, woodland and farmers’ fields now being a soft target.
Long-term environment impacts
Not only is fly-tipping an increasing problem due to the sheer number of cases, but there could also be a long-term environmental problem too. One of the problems with fly-tipping hazardous materials like fridges, batteries and asbestos is that it can lead to dangerous chemicals or particles leaking into air, soil, streams, rivers and reservoirs. It can also have a devastating effect on local wildlife too.
The solution
If you’re trying to busy yourself at home, it’s best to only undertake projects that don’t accumulate much rubbish or if they do, to make sure you have the space to store it until things start getting back to normal again. If you have a garage or garden that has space, you can store your non-toxic waste there instead. If you have hazardous waste such as an old fridge-freezer, either keep it in the garage or store it undamaged and covered in the garden unless you can find a method of safely disposing of it via your council or a properly registered waste management company with an established history.