Walsall Council has intensified its campaign against fly-tipping in the borough throughout 2023/24, taking firm action against perpetrators and implementing innovative strategies to combat environmental crime.
The council's community safety and enforcement service responded to a total of 787 reports of fly-tipping in the past year, leading to 497 litter fixed penalty notices and 22 fly-tipping fixed penalty notices being issued. Using CCTV cameras to capture incriminating footage, the team has cracked down on illegal dumping activities across the borough.
In a proactive move to address the issue, two commercial vehicles seized by the council were crushed after not being claimed, sending a strong message to potential offenders. Additional enforcement measures included the seizure of a vehicle from Dalkeith Street for fly-tipping offences, further demonstrating the council's zero-tolerance approach to environmental crimes.
In February 2023, Walsall Council launched the Environmental Crime Scene project in collaboration with One Palfrey Big Local. This initiative involves cordoning off fly-tipped waste sites akin to crime scenes, creating a visual deterrent and emphasising the seriousness of illegal dumping practices.
Councillor Garry Perry, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Resilient Communities at Walsall Council, said:
“The Environmental Crime Scene Project has proved very effective, including one example on Whitehall Road in March 2023 where a perpetrator came forward within a day of the rubbish being taped up.
"A similar incident took place in July 2023 on Shireview Road, Pelsall, where within 24 hours of the fly-tipping taking place, the offender returned to the same location to clear up the rubbish they had dumped.
"This year has seen a lot of enforcement action taken and we remain committed to creating a cleaner environment that residents are proud to call home and feel safe in.
“My thanks go to those who help keep our borough clean and tidy, those who report fly-tipping incidents and those who dispose of their waste properly and responsibly.”
Residents can dispose of their waste by booking bulky waste collections or visiting one of the Household Waste Recycling Centres open seven days a week.
Residents can report fly-tipping quickly and easily on the council website (https://go.walsall.gov.uk/apply/myaccount-online-services/report-fly-tip) or by calling 01922 653355.
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