The Farmers Mart Jun-Jul 2018 - Issue 57 | Page 11

FARM NEWS 11 • JUN/JUL 2018 • Those in Scotland should report fly-tip- ping waste by either filling in a simple online form on DumbDumpers.org or contacting Stopline directly by calling 0845 2 30 40 90. • Those in Northern Ireland should head to nidirect.gov.uk and find details for their local council, who will be able to advise on the waste disposal sites and recycling cen- tres based nearby for the safe and legal recycling or disposal of unwanted items. Once reported, find a way to secure the fly-tipped waste to prevent any further addition or interference. Be aware that there are processes in place for taking the waste away. First and fore- most, do not take the waste to a licensed site yourself unless you’re registered as a waste carrier. If hazardous waste has been identified, it should only be carried and then disposed of by someone who is licensed to deal with hazardous waste. If you need someone else to transport the waste away, make sure they leave you the right paperwork. It should include details about the waste and those who are taking it away. Keep all information about clearance and disposal costs safe, as these can be recovered in the event a successful prosecu- tion is made against the crime committed. Mr Cuthbertson says: “In the event you wake one morning to find the midnight cowboys have paid you a visit, if the problem is severe, it is worth consulting with your insurance broker. ‘ Do not confront the guilty parties, but instead immediately call 999 and then make a note the number of people involved, descriptions of their appearances, details about the waste being fly-tipped and information about any vehicles used. ’ Most farm combined policies will cover the cost of removal and disposal, less an excess. In the event of a major fly tipping incident, you could be very glad the cover is in place.” If you witness fly-tipping actively taking place, stay safe. As the practice is illegal, people are unlikely to take kindly to their crime being observed. Do not confront the guilty parties, but instead immediately call 999 and then make a note the number of people involved, descriptions of their appearances, details about the waste being fly-tipped and information about any vehi- cles used — this includes the makes of the vehicles, their colours and their registration numbers if you can make it out. How you can protect your land from fly-tipping The ideal way of dealing with fly-tip- ping is to prevent it from happening. Installing gates around your land and keeping them locked when not in use will restrict access. Strategically placing physical barriers around the perimeter will make it difficult for vehicles to get through — think earth bunds, boulders and tree trunks placed closely to each other around your land. The fear of being caught will keep would-be fly tippers away too. Therefore, work on improving visibility all around your property and its land, make sure high-quality exterior lighting is installed and in working condition, and set up CCTV cameras and appropriate signs alerting people of the technology’s pres- ence. Additional sources: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201153/street_ care_and_cleaning/197/fly-tipping http://www.lycetts.co.uk/insights/fly-tipping- costly-business/ http://www.tacklingflytipping.com/Documents/ NFTPG-Files/NFTPGAdviceforLandowners.pdf