Angus Council is investigating over 300 reports of illegal fly-tipping every year.
The council said it treats fly-tipping as a serious offence and will prosecute any person or company caught dumping rubbish illegally.
Figures released to The Courier under freedom of information legislation revealed that 306 reports of fly-tipping were received last year and 339 in 2009-10.
Campaign director of the TaxPayers’ Alliance Emma Boon said, “It’s good to see that fly-tipping rates have gone down but there is more to do.
“Fly-tippers leave an ugly mess for the council to clean up and cost taxpayers money. The council need to continue working to tackle this unsightly activity and catch those who are repeatedly fly-tipping.”
Following investigation no dumping was found in 57 of the 306 reports last year, while no fly-tipping was found in 62 of the 339 cases in 2009-10.
Scottish councils spend over £2.5 million each year clearing up illegally dumped waste, not to mention the costs incurred by private land owners.
This year Arbroath Community Council called on residents to take more pride in the town after debris was found to have been tipped into the Brothock Burn.Potentially fatalHousehold and industrial waste was also dumped across Emmock Road, presenting a potentially fatal hazard for motorists.
Police put warning signs in place as a team from the council removed the debris, which included tyres and bricks.
A council spokeswoman said, “Fly-tipping is an anti-social act which spoils both our towns and countryside. We are pleased to see the figures going down and hope that they will continue to do so.
“However, the fluctuation seen in the figures is not significant and it is difficult to draw any conclusions from them. We urge people not to fly-tip but to use the facilities provided to dispose of unwanted items.”
There is a recycling centre in each town in Angus, accepting a wide range of items for recycling and bulky goods too big for the bin.
The spokeswoman added, “Furniture items can be donated to furniture projects across Angus. Details are available at ACCESSLine 08452 777778 or
angus.gov.uk/recycling
.
“Household items such as crockery and bedding can be taken to the recycling centre at Arbroath, where Starter Packs Angus have a reuse cabin to help people setting up home for the first time.”
Special uplifts can also be arranged. Fly-tipping can be reported to the council via the ACCESSLine.
Anyone caught fly-tipping could face a penalty of up to £40,000, six months in prison or both if the case goes to court.
On indictment a fly-tipper can face an even more severe penalty of an unlimited fine and/or two years’ imprisonment five years if they have dumped hazardous waste and police also have the power to issue a fixed penalty notice.