ROGUE and unlicensed waste carriers often responsible for fly-tipping are preying on customers using social media.

The Dorset Waste Partnership said it is one of a number of reasons as to why dumping rubbish and unwanted goods across the county is on the rise.

“The popularity of social media has allowed unlicensed waste carriers to easily offer their services, with some customers unaware that not only is their waste being dumped illegally, but that they could also be liable for prosecution,” said Gemma Clinton, head of service strategy for the partnership.

“There are many theories about why this is happening, such as reporting becoming easier and the rising costs of waste disposal.

“We are yet to see any solid evidence that this rise is due to the introduction of charges at our household recycling centres. The majority of fly-tips in Dorset consist of either general household waste, which is not charged for at our recycling centres, or waste we believe to be derived from commercial activity.

“Commercial traders have never been able to legally deposit their waste at any of our centres for free but we suspect some were and the charges have forced them to resort to other illegal methods of disposing of their waste.”

Ms Clinton said that the DWP is considering introducing CCTV at known fly-tipping hotspots.

She added: “Our officers investigate all reported fly-tips that contain evidence and we will pursue offenders when a sufficient case is found in order to secure a conviction. We would like to thank residents for continuing to report suspected fly-tips to the DWP. Together, we can help stamp out this dangerous and anti-social activity.”

Peter Ryan, of the Dorset Devils - a group of 179 volunteer litter-pickers - told the Daily Echo that just a few months ago he came across what he called “the worst” example of fly-tipping he’d ever seen at Monkey Island.

“There was everything there from the white goods to the cuddly toy,” he said. “It was purely to get rid.

“That pretty spot was the biggest volume of fly-tipping I’ve come across.”

Mr Ryan formed the Dorset Devils four years ago to raise awareness of littering and to change people’s behaviours.

He said: “We don’t like our town being disrespected. No one has the right to drop litter or fly-tip. We need to get people talking about it and then they might not do it at all.”