IT blights our streets, beauty spots and countryside.

Flt-tipping is getting worse nationally and there are five fly-tipping offences every day in Dorset.

The Local Government Association has warned that nationally the offence costs taxpayers almost £50 million a year to clear up.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs data shows 1,705 fly-tipping incidents were reported to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council in 2019-20.

Fly-tipping is a serious criminal offence. It carries a fine of up to £20,000 and you can even be sent to prison.

It is also an offence to allow fly-tipping if you know it’s going on and the police have the power to seize vehicles used for fly-tipping.

If you allow your car or vehicle to be used for fly-tipping, even if you are not driving yourself, you can still be prosecuted. 

Fly-tipping should be reported to the local council or the Environment Agency.

Reporting to the Police should only be where large scale illegal dumping or hazardous waste is involved.