Fly tipping and pollution
Two new CCTV cameras installed to crack down on fly-tipping in Walsall
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Walsall Council has installed two new CCTV cameras in known fly-tipping hotspots.
As part of the council's EnviroCrime initiative, the two cameras are now keeping watch around the borough. The move comes in response to local residents' concerns about the unsightly and harmful act of fly-tipping within their neighbourhoods.
“ The installation of these CCTV cameras is a direct response to a recent fly-tipping incident. Our officers thoroughly investigated the dumped waste and gathered evidence to issue a Section 46 notice, informing the perpetrator how to correctly manage their waste. Our Community Protection team then deployed cameras to address the ongoing problem.
Since the installation of CCTV, there have been no further incidents in the areas where the cameras were installed. These measures are crucial in our fight against fly-tipping. I encourage everyone to continue to come forward and share any concerns they may have. Our goal is to create a cleaner and greener borough for all. “
Through the EnviroCrime initiative, Walsall Council is taking direct action to change behaviour and reduce the incidence of illegal dumping, combining education, enforcement and increased surveillance.
The initiative continues to yield success. From September to October 2024, the council:
- Issued 30 Section 46 notices.
- Intervened and made residents remove their dumped rubbish in 11 cases across seven Wards.
- Caught two commercial businesses in Pleck dumping waste on the street. One business subsequently signed a waste contract with Walsall Council, while the other removed the waste within 24 hours and has not reoffended.
- Installed deterrent signage across eight Wards to discourage future incidents.
Through the EnviroCrime initiative, the council is also engaging with residents in their local neighbourhoods through monthly roadshows. Residents can share information and concerns with fly-tipping officers and learn about council services.
Residents are encouraged to attend these roadshows to discuss their environmental concerns directly with the council’s fly-tipping officers.
Ends
Notes to editors
- Fly-tipping is a serious criminal offence which carries a fine of up to £20,000 (unlimited if indicted to the Crown Court). Offenders can even be sent to prison.
- The EnviroCrime initiative is a project by Walsall Council that addresses fly-tipping through a dual-pronged approach, combining education and enforcement. The initiative employs various strategies, including issuing warning letters, offering advice on council services, treating fly-tipped areas as crime scenes, and engaging with residents through roadshows to understand the root causes of fly-tipping. By combining these methods, the council aims to change the behaviour of perpetrators and create a cleaner, greener borough for all.
- There are two Household Waste Recycling Centres in the borough of Walsall which are free to use. They are located in Fryers Road, Bloxwich, and Merchants Way, Aldridge.
- Walsall Council offers a bulky items collection service for residents who may struggle to take larger items to a Household Waste Recycling Centre. This can be booked through the council website using this link: Find Household Waste Recycling Centres (tips) | Walsall Council
Opening times
- Fryers Road Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), Bloxwich: Every day (except Thursday) from 9.00am – 4.00pm, late opening Thursdays 10.00am - 5.00pm
Merchants Way Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), Aldridge: Every day (except Tuesday) from 9.00am - 4.00pm, late opening Tuesdays 10.00am - 5.00pm
Residents who are struggling to manage their household waste, for example because of a growing family or an ongoing medical condition, can apply for a larger bin through the council’s website. Apply for a bigger bin | Walsall Council
