The Environmental Impact Of Fly Tipping

A problem that is prevalent around the world is the illegal dumping of waste in areas not designated for dumping. In the UK, this is called fly tipping and, although illegal, it is still done by people unaware of dumping regulations or those who just don’t care about the regulations or the environment. Whether it happens in the busy streets of London, or in a more rural area such as Surrey, it is still a problem that must be reported any time we see it happening.

Hazardous Waste Issues

     Fly tipping isn’t just unsightly, it is also very harmful to people and the environment. This is because much of the waste that is dumped illegally is not biodegradable or it could contain hazardous materials which could be poisonous to humans, plants and wildlife. Not only does this pose a problem for the people and the animals, it can also have long term effects on the soil as chemicals can seep into the soil and end up in the ground water.

The Transmission Of Disease

     The transmission of disease is also a side effect of fly tipping as animals in the area might eat from the waste or make their homes in the waste and become ill or infected. This can then be spread to pets, local food and water supplies and people who might come in contact with the animals themselves or who drink from the diseased water or eat the contaminated food. While this is typical of more urban areas where rodents are abundant, the spreading of disease can happen anywhere.

Where Fly Tipping Is Most Common

     People looking for places they can fly tip without being seen will often choose a quiet, remote area. They feel that as long as they don’t get caught, fly tipping doesn’t harm anyone. However, the environmental impact of fly tipping can have long term repercussions that could even affect them.

Why Fly Tip?

     We don’t believe that people who fly tip are trying to harm the environment. In fact, many of them don’t understand the harm they are doing. People fly tip because they often times don’t know how to deal with waste properly, or they simply can’t afford to. One of the best ways to prevent fly tipping and to keep excess waste out of our landfills is to educate people on the benefits of recycling and create easier methods of disposing of household waste.

Report Fly-Tipping on Love Clean Streets Today

     To report fly tipping in your area using our apps or web site visit Love Clean Streets today.

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