THERE'S been a significant increase in the amount of fly-tipping in Thurrock.

New data collated by the government shows that in 2021-22 (the latest timescale for which figures are available) there were 1,953 reported incidents of flytipping - a staggering 75 per cent increase on the year before.

The rise can, in part, be attributed to the covid pandemic when tipping sites were closed and bin collections impacted by staff shortages.

However, there has also been a huge increase in 'commercial scale tipping' in the borough.

Cllr Andrew Jefferies, Cabinet member for Environment, said: "Fly-tipping is a disgusting and selfish criminal act which causes a blight on the borough and is something we, and our partners in Essex Police, are working hard to disrupt and stamp out.

"In 2021-22, the year highlighted in this report, we saw and massive increase in commercial scale fly-tipping in Thurrock with there being more tipper sized loads dumped in Thurrock in that year than in the five years before that combined. In all 1,452 loads of van or tipper lorry in Thurrock in 2021-22. In part that is because of our proximity to London and the M25.

"In 2021-22 we issued 211 fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping, nearly three times as many as the previous year. Our proactive work with Essex Police saw more than 70 vehicles stopped and fined for not having the proper licenses to transport waste. We also took direct action in seizing six vehicles we knew had been used for fly-tipping.

"On top of that our team has held a series of events to speak with residents and help give them the information they need to report fly-tipping and to not inadvertently use unscrupulous and unlicensed waste disposal services that are likely to be involved in fly-tipping.

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"That work has continued this year as we have continued to work with Essex Police on proactive operations as well as use innovative technological solutions to help us monitor and catch fly-tippers.

"Officers investigate all fly-tips and if evidence is found to identify whose waste it is fines are issued. I would urge anyone who sees fly-tipping taking place to report it to Essex Police. If anyone sees fly-tipped waste it should be reported to the council through the website."

Fly-tipped waste can be reported online at: thurrock.gov.uk/fly-tipping