A campaign has been launched to help tackle the 'blight' of fly-tipping.

The Dorset Waste Partnership’s (DWP) ‘Tip-Off’ campaign aims to inform the public about how they can report illegally dumped rubbish and prevent it.

A series of roadshows are happening across the county where DWP officers will be talking to residents about the issue.

It comes after residents say fly-tipping is 'getting worse.'

Last week, the Echo reported that hairdressing equipment had been dumped on Icen Lane in Weymouth, prompting an outcry from residents.

Like most counties, Dorset is subject to persistent fly-tipping and the number of incidences is continuing to increase, following a national trend. On top of the obvious damage to the environment, the clearance of the waste costs the DWP around £150,000 per year.

Councillor Tony Alford, chairman of the Dorset Waste Partnership’s Joint Committee, said: “We have recently expanded our enforcement team and are investigating more fly-tipping incidents than ever before, but we need the help of Dorset residents to help us fight against this illegal activity. The ‘Tip-Off’ campaign will help inform others about what they can do.

“The DWP needs people to keep us informed when they spot fly-tips and people dumping rubbish. We want residents to check who they’re handing their waste to and to use their local household recycling centre whenever they can.

“There are no excuses for fly-tipping. It’s unsightly and damaging to the environment. But we all have a part to play in stopping this anti-social behaviour and by working together I know we can make a positive impact.”

Fly-tipping is a criminal offence, punishable of fines of up to £50,000 or 12 months imprisonment if convicted in the magistrates court. The offence can attract an unlimited fine and up to 5 years imprisonment if convicted in a Crown Court.

The ‘Tip-Off’ campaign focusses on three key areas:

n Report it – Fly-tips can be reported to the DWP online and by phone. Where there is sufficient evidence, we will investigate all reported incidents and attempt to trace and prosecute anyone found to be fly-tipping.

n Make sure you’re covered - Rubbish you’ve handed to someone else is still your legal responsibility until it is correctly disposed of. If someone – such as an unlicensed ‘man in a van’ found online – were to fly-tip that waste, you could end up paying a fine or being taken to court.

n Love your HRC - Most fly-tips in Dorset consist of household waste that could have been taken to a household recycling centre (HRC, or ‘the tip’) and disposed of free of charge. There are 11 HRCs across Dorset, open daily, free to visit and do not charge for most items.

Dorset residents can find out more by visiting www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/tip-off.

Fly-tipping incidents can be reported by visiting dorsetforyou.gov.uk/flytipping email enquiries@dorsetwastepartnership.gov.uk or call 01305 221040.