Ambitious steps to tackle fly-tipping have been set out, as part of Haringey Council’s commitment to improving our borough’s environment.
At a Cabinet meeting, members agreed to adopt the new fly-tipping strategy 2019-2024. It aims to halve the number of fly-tips in Haringey by 2024 by targeting hotspots across the borough and focusing on education, engagement and enforcement, as well as increasing pride in the local area.
Last year, Haringey dealt with 24,000 fly-tips. The majority come from household waste (83%), with local businesses (13%) and illegal waste collectors (4%) making up the rest. Of the fly-tips coming from flats and homes, over a quarter is furniture and nearly half are black bin or carrier bags. This waste is usually deposited in the wrong place and/or time too.
Haringey will tackle the problem head on, by ensuring residents and businesses understand what constitutes fly-tipping and where they should be leaving rubbish, intervening with those we know to have broken the law to prevent recurrence, and a tough and persistent approach to enforcement against anyone caught fly-tipping.
The council will design out fly-tipping hot spots, work with local champions, landlords and tenants as part of an all-inclusive approach. We will make it clear that the entire community must work together to stamp out fly-tipping.
A hot spot-focused pilot scheme earlier this year has shown significant signs of success, with 25% fewer fly-tipping incidents reported in March than in January/February.
Councillor Kirsten Hearn, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Dumping rubbish is an environmental crime. It’s anti-social and illegal. We will take the toughest action possible – there can be no excuses. We know that clean streets are a priority for our residents and they want us to get tough on those dumping rubbish. Clearing up fly-tips costs us millions each year – funds that could be spent on vital services in Haringey. Our new strategy looks to reach those who may not know they are fly-tipping, to educate and then to enforce.”
Cabinet also agreed to consult with the public on our new Air Quality Action Plan.
It comes after the council last month declared a climate emergency and pledged a range of steps to minimise the impacts of climate change.
You can read the fly-tipping strategy here: http://www.minutes.haringey.gov.uk/documents/s107966/Appendix%201%20-%20Flytipping%20strategy%20v4%20FINAL.pdf
For information on fly-tipping, visit: https://www.haringey.gov.uk/environment-and-waste/neighbourhood-action-team/enforcement-news/fly-tipping-help-us-catch-crooks