LGA calls for action on fly tipping

The LGA wants more manufacturers and retailers of bulky items to voluntarily provide 'take back' services – where people can hand in their old mattresses and furniture when they buy new items. They are also urging firms to contribute to the clear-up costs.

According to the LGA, enforcement against fly-tipping costs local authorities nearly £20 million a year. Councils also want to be able to recover all their prosecution costs after they take the tippers to court.

Councils dealt with 850,000 fly-tipping incidents in 2013/14 – up 20 per cent from the previous year, and more than one incident every minute.

The LGA says that mattresses are a particular problem, as they are difficult and expensive to recycle.

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