SOFAS and mattresses - those were just some of the things that were dumped in Weymouth town centre to raise awareness of fly-tipping.

The items made up an artificial fly-tip as part of the Dorset Waste Partnerships (DWP) Tip-Off’ campaign which held an awareness event with enforcement and recycling officers outside Debenhams on New Bond Street in Weymouth yesterday.

Officers cordoned off the waste pile and handed out leaflets and spoke with people about how they can report fly-tips, what they can do to ensure they are covered when handing their waste to someone else and how to make the most of their local household recycling centre.

Recycling officer Dave Levi said: “We are helping people to become aware of their responsibility and how to protect themselves in case they are getting rid of rubbish or paying for rubbish to be disposed of.

“But if someone fly-tips that rubbish, it is actually their responsibility unless they have asked for the correct information and that is what we are talking about to people today.

“Our action enforcement team are constantly investigating reported flytipping incidents around town so it is something that is on the increase.”

Dave added that there had been an increase of incidents adding there were a significant number of smaller fly-tips on public land as well as ones that are happening on private land which our team cannot investigate.

“What the resident generally doesn’t realise is that if this waste is dumped illegally, not only is the fly-tipper breaking the law but the person who handed their waste over could also be fined or taken to court for failing in their duty of care.”

Last year, Dorset County Council dealt with 2,803 flytipping incidents across the county costing the taxpayer over £150,000.

It comes after the Echo reported that a large heap of rubbish consisting of including stools and hairdressing equipment was discovered along Icen Lane in Broadwey last month which the DWP are currently investigating.

Councillor Tony Alford, chairman of the DWP’s Joint Committee, added: “ The ‘Tip-Off’ campaign will help inform others about what they can do.

“The DWP investigates and cleans up dozens of fly-tipping incidents across Dorset every month and are investigating more fly-tipping incidents than ever before, but we need the help of residents to help us fight against this illegal activity. By working together, we can all help to reduce this illegal and anti-social activity that blights our beautiful county.”

To report a fly-tip, please visit dorsetforyou.gov.uk/flytipping or by call 01305 221040.