Fly-tipping in Barnsley increased by 25 per cent while tips were closed due to lockdown

In the wake of locked-down residents undertaking DIY projects and the closure of tips to prevent the spread of Covid-19, incidents of fly-tipping across Barnsley soared.

However, since the tips have reopened, fly-tipping has reduced by 16 per cent.

The Countryside Alliance says there was a 300 per cent increase in fly-tipping incidents nationally during lockdown, calling the dumping of rubbish ‘unnaceptable’.

Counr Chris Lamb, Barnsley Council environment and transport spokesman, said: “The closure of our household waste recycling centres due to coronavirus was unavoidable and a huge team effort was required to reopen them safely.

“They have been open again for a month and while some restrictions remain, these have been gradually eased since then.

“There is never any excuse for fly-tipping and it is unacceptable that some individuals chose to fly-tip during the period our centres were closed.

“Our figures show there was a 25 per cent increase in incidents when the sites were closed in April compared with the same period when they were open in 2019, but a 16 per cent reduction in incidents since reopening.

“The only acceptable level of fly-tipping is zero. We would like to remind residents the household waste sites are open and our large item collection service is operating as normal, and to thank residents who have used our services for their patience during these challenging times.”

“As a council we have made significant efforts through our #EverybodyThink