Perthshire beauty spots are being blighted by fly-tippers unable to access the region’s main recycling centres.
While smaller points containing bottlebanks and other household waste recycling facilities remain open, the major recycling centres operated by Perth and Kinross Council were shut immediately after the UK government imposed lockdown measures.
And with many residents choosing to spend their time indoors carrying out DIY projects and home improvements, some irresponsible fly-tippers have been dumping waste in rural areas around the region.
In Coupar Angus, the Candlehouse Lane recycling point was filled with splintered wood and discarded cardboard boxes last week.
At a layby near Loch Clunie which has been repeatedly targeted by illegal dumpers, Strathtay ward councillor Grant Laing cleared up debris ditched by the roadside, including a fully intact sink and basin unit.
Meanwhile, councillor Willie Robertson has reported in increase in cases in Kinross-shire too.
The Liberal Democrat said fly-tipping has tarnished the region before recycling centres closed and has asked for an investigation into the issue.
He said: “In Kinross-shire we are experiencing a growing problem with fly tipping. This was an issue even before the recycling centres were closed. I am also aware that fly tipping is a big issue on many of the side roads around Perth.”
Mr Robertson has called for a survey of fly tipping to be carried out, once the coronavirus crisis is under control.
Council officers are pleading with residents not to give their already stretched frontline workers more unnecessary work to do, by disposing of waste appropriately.
A spokesman said: “It has been several weeks since we made the difficult decision to temporarily close our recycling centres.
“We appreciate dealing with extra waste when the recycling centres are closed can be difficult. However fly tipping is unacceptable, especially under the current circumstances.
“Fly tipping doesn’t just scar the landscape and cause harm to wildlife, livestock and pets, but is also a hazard for our staff to clear up.”
He said: “Our staffing resources are already stretched. Dealing with fly tipping takes them away from critical services and potentially exposes them to coronavirus.
“We appreciate that many people have more waste just now but fly tipping and using litter bins for household waste takes our stretched staffing resources away from frontline duties such as emptying kerbside bins and providing assisted collections for those most in need.”
