FLY-TIPPING has cost the Dorset Waste Partnership more than £100,000 after tackling 1,669 separate incidents between 2012 and 2013.

Illegally dumping waste can be very harmful to animals and humans as well as leading to the pollution of land and water courses.

Taxpayers in the four DWP partner authorities Christchurch, East Dorset, North Dorset and Purbeck had to foot the £101,145 bill.

Since April this year, the number of incidents has totalled 903, including Weymouth’s and Portland’s figures at a cost of £55,412.

A spokesperson from the Dorset Waste Partnership said: “The data does show that there is a decrease in fly-tipping so far this year compared to last year, even with the addition of West Dorset District Council and Weymouth and Portland. “The cost is based on the figures that the Environment Agency established for the type and amount of waste collected.”

Pig Shoot Lane near Hurn has been identified as a “problem spot” by the Chairman of Hurn Parish Council Margaret Phipps.

The Christchurch councillor has also slammed the “crazy” and “irresponsible” actions of those who left a sofa and a freezer on the side of the Avon Causeway just days after the ‘bring-banks’ recycling centre was closed nearby in Hurn. Mike Bell, Dorset Waste Partnership head of operations, said: “Fly-tipping is a crime and we would ask anyone who sees it to report it to their local council so that it can be cleared and investigated.

“Obviously, we should not have to use taxpayers' money to remove this rubbish. Items of household waste should be taken to a local recycling centre, or you can request a bulky waste collection from your council.”

People in the Dorset Waste Partnership area, not including Bournemouth and Poole can report fly-tipping online at www.dorsetforyou.com/flytipping or by calling 01305 221040.