Since the closure of Huthwaite Recycling Centre on 1 August 2010, the area surrounding the old site has become a problem area for fly-tipped waste.

In an effort to put an end to the problem, The Environment Agency installed CCTV cameras to capture any fly-tipping activity in the area.

During the two week operation, cameras captured five separate incidences of fly-tipping. The evidence gathered was sent to Ashfield District Council’s Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers who have since conducted interviews with the individuals responsible. All the evidence will now be used to take appropriate action against them.

Signs were erected to warn that the site would be closing and to direct people to nearby recycling centres. Despite this, waste was being illegally dumped near the old site.

Fly-tipping is the unauthorised dumping of waste on land that is not licensed to receive it. This includes the dumping of any kind of waste regardless of how it is left. In addition to being unsightly, fly-tipped waste posses a health risk and costs a significant amount of money to clean up.

Edd deCoverly, Head of Neighbourhood Services at Ashfield District Council said: “Fly-tipping is not something that we take lightly and we will make every effort to put a stop to it. We regularly work with The Environment Agency and the cameras will continue to be used in the area and other hotspot locations to catch and ultimately prosecute fly-tippers.”