Leave nothing but footprints: Fly-Tipping Action Wales and National Parks Wales urge holidaymakers to avoid ‘accidental fly-tipping’
As tourists and locals head to beauty spots across the country this bank holiday, concern rises after heatwave leaves beauty-spot bins overflowing.
‘Fly-tipping’ is usually associated with vanloads of tyres, sofas, and bulky household items being left in undesignated, hidden-away locations.
However, this summer, Wales has seen a rise in what is being termed ‘accidental fly-tipping’ at beauty spots — referring to when members of the public leave bins overflowing, place bags of rubbish next to full bins, leave rubbish littered near to waste disposal spaces, and abandon the likes of barbecues and camping equipment at sites of natural beauty.
According to Fly Tipping Action Wales (FtAW) along with Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Snowdonia National Park Authority — collectively known as National Parks Wales — this ‘accidental fly-tipping’ is expected to increase with the upcoming bank holiday trips.
To help tackle the issue before it arises, the organisations are reminding visitors to bring their own rubbish bags along — so they are able to take litter home and avoid instances of ‘accidental fly-tipping’ which cause a blight on so many of Wales’ beautiful landscapes.
Neil Harrison, Project Manager at Fly Tipping Action Wales, said: “We’re seeing a concerning increase in what we’re calling ‘accidental fly-tipping’. People think they’re being helpful by putting their rubbish beside the bins, but in reality, it’s an instance of illegal fly-tipping.
“There’s only so much capacity for local authority refuse collectors, and it’s not safe to leave an unmanageable surplus of rubbish for collection. This means that leaving bins overflowing is not only an environmental issue, but also a public health matter. What’s more, any member of the public found guilty of fly-tipping could face a costly fine.
“We’re asking members of the public to help us protect Wales’ natural environment and take their rubbish home if bins are full, keeping beauty spots to be enjoyed by all.”
With 20% of those surveyed admitting to behaviours which could be classed as ‘accidental fly-tipping’ in a recent DEFRA report[1], it’s hoped that the images released today will encourage visitors across Wales and the wider UK to ‘leave nothing but footprints’ and take all rubbish and belongings home after visiting outdoor beauty spots.
Jodie Bond, Head of Communications, at Brecon Beacons National Park, said: “The trend of accidental fly-tipping at beauty spots has grown in direct parallel with increased visitors looking for outdoor escapes during and after the pandemic — many of whom are new audiences, unfamiliar with the guidance encompassed by the Countryside Code.
“We’re committed to keeping our National Parks accessible, clean and safe for everyone who wishes to visit — that’s why we’re partnering with Fly Tipping Action Wales to try and combat the issue once and for all.
“We’d like to say a huge ‘diolch’ to every single visitor who brings a rubbish bag with them on their next visit to the great outdoors of Wales. Taking all rubbish home with you will help to effectively stop instances of illegal fly-tipping and keep Wales’ National Parks looking as beautiful and pristine as possible.”
For more information on the Countryside Code and guidance from National Parks Wales, please visit the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Snowdonia National Park Authority websites or social media channels.
If you find a fly-tip in your area, report it to the local council. Find out more about Fly Tipping Action Wales’ work here.
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Caption: Top – holidaymakers enjoy a weekend at Llyn Tegid.