Farmers call for law change to spare fly-tipping victims clean-up costs

BBC One West reported that farmers are calling for a change in the law after large-scale fly-tipping left them facing costly clean-ups. The National Farmers Union wants victims to be spared the cost of clearing waste dumped on their land.

BBC One West reported that one farmer said three loads arrived in one night after a gate was forced and a chain was cut, and that the culprits returned the next night to do the same further down the valley. The farmer said they were legally required to clear the mess and could be prosecuted if they did not, describing the situation as unjust.

The report said much of the waste is dangerous and needs specialist clearance, not just house clearance. It said the average fine for someone convicted of fly-tipping is about £600, less than the cost of hiring two skips. Farmers also described time spent reporting to police and councils, putting out concrete blocks and opening and closing fields early and late.

BBC One West reported that rural policing officer Alex Winning said fly-tipping is often done at night in remote areas with no CCTV, and that disposing of waste legitimately now costs a lot. The report said a trial uses a UV-reactive spray on vehicles carrying waste so officers can later link dumped material to a stop.

Hertfordshire County Council told BBC One West that businesses and householders remain legally responsible for their waste even if it is fly-tipped, and should check they hand it to legitimate operators. Farmers said that was not enough, with one saying the justice system allows organised criminals to get away with it.