Fly-tipping in Scotland

That the Parliament expresses concern regarding a reported increase in levels of fly-tipping across communities in Scotland since restrictions have been put in place in order to limit the spread of COVID-19; understands that Scottish local authorities, including Dumfries and Galloway Council, over the last five weeks, have reported an increase in the illegal dumping of unwanted items and rubbish on farmland, in outdoor spaces, in parks and on local authority property; notes that the reports of items dumped include, but are not exclusive to, ripped-out house interiors and appliances, oil containers, gas cylinders, bin bags full of rotting food and also discarded gloves, masks of different forms and single-use plastics; recognises the comments of COSLA, the body that represents Scottish local authorities, that “Unfortunately, we are aware of an increase in fly-tipping reports in some areas, but having to deal with this takes resources away from essential and life-saving frontline services.”; notes that fly-tipping in Scotland is a criminal offence and that those who are caught can be fined up to £200 and can receive a criminal conviction, but believes that only one in every 3,000 people who commit the offence are prosecuted; calls on the public to be responsible when disposing of their waste, not to fly-tip or dispose of waste inappropriately, and to contact their local authority should they have any questions or concerns about waste collections or the disposal of other waste while many council-run recycling centres are closed; thanks communities across Scotland for all they are doing during this challenging time, and repeats the Scottish Government’s advice to stay at home where possible, protect the NHS and save lives.