By Rise in fly-tipping in Oxford since lockdown
Along with many other local authority areas nationwide, Oxford City Council has seen a rise in cases of fly-tipping since the lockdown began.
In accordance with Government guidelines, many Household Waste & Recycling Centres, including those operated by Oxford City Council, are currently closed.
Existing guidance says authorities ‘consider whether priority sites can be maintained with restricted access’.
A spokesperson for the council said:
“Oxford City Council reminds anyone thinking of dumping their rubbish that fly-tipping in not just anti-social – it’s a criminal offence, subject to a fine and prosecution. Responding to fly-tipped waste puts staff at unnecessary risk and diverts valuable resources from where they are needed most.
“While it is recognised that this has made disposing of items harder, the community is asked to avoid undertaking big clear-outs from their homes, to hold onto larger items such as furniture where they can and do not dump items in the street or elsewhere.”
Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Customer Focused Services, added:
“We realise that it is an inconvenience not having the usual disposal services available, particularly with so many stuck at home keen to tidy up and de-clutter. However, we need to remind everyone that simply fly tipping rubbish is categorically not an option.
“The coronavirus pandemic has created exceptional circumstances meaning that resources have to be focused where they do most good. Fly-tipping means that we have to divert staff from other more important work to clear the mess up. This is also putting our staff and local residents health at risk unnecessarily.
“Oxford City Council investigates all fly-tipping incidents and will prosecute anyone found to be responsible.”
The garden waste collection service was temporarily suspended, but will resume from Monday 4 May.
What do you think? Have you noticed an increase in fly-tipping since the start of the lockdown?
Do community waste and recycling centres provide an essential service?
What could be done to tackle the issue of excess waste during this difficult time?
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