2 June 1997

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is working in conjunction with the Cleansing Section of the Commercial Services Directorate of North Ayrshire Council to reduce fly-tipping in the area.

Bartonholm Civic Amenity Site, Irvine is one of the main areas affected. This site should only be used by householders to dispose of domestic waste, but commercial users are also dumping, illegally.

Of particular concern is the amount of waste material being dumped at the entrance gates after the site closes at night. The material being left at the gates includes bin bags, cardboard, paper, garden refuse, wood, soil, glass etc. This attracts scavengers who rip open the bin bags, the contents being scattered over a large area.

As a result, North Ayrshire Council has to spend a large amount of time and money in clearing up the area. A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said:

‘There is no need for fly-tipping to occur in the area as the Council provides a free domestic service for the uplift of bulky items, whereby if householders telephone the following numbers the items will be taken away free of charge.’

SEPA, with the help of the Cleansing Section, has decided that action is required to prevent these illegal deposits of waste, not only at Bartonholm Civic Amenity Site, but at the other Civic Amenity Sites in the area and other known illegal dump sites.

Gerry Gorman of SEPA’s local team said:

‘Fly-tipping is an offence which we view seriously, because it causes a threat to the

environment and public health. We want to encourage people and businesses to use the proper disposal routes and we would prefer to solve the problem by persuasion, not prosecution. However, illegal tippers should be aware that if necessary, we will take strong action to solve the problem.

‘We have targeted Bartonholm Civic Amenity Site on a number of occasions during February and March this year, and have caught a number of people illegally depositing waste at the site gates. Details of these incidents have been recorded and will be presented to the SEPA Licensing Committee in the near future, where a decision will be taken on whether to prosecute those involved.

‘Any person found guilty of illegally depositing waste could be liable on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding £20,000, or both. Over the coming months as well as Bartonholm, SEPA will also be targeting other Civic Amenity Sites and known illegal dump sites in the North Ayrshire area and if we find anyone illegally dumping waste, we will not hesitate to use our substantial powers to prosecute those involved.’

For further information or advice on any waste topic, contact the SEPA Area office at Ayr - Tel: 01292 264047

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North Ayrshire Council - Free Domestic Service for pick up of bulky household refuse

Irvine New Town Area Tel: 01294 485370
Garnock Valley Area Tel: 01294 833988
Three Towns Area Tel: 01294 602615
North Coast Area Tel: 01475 674521
Island of Arran Tel: 01770 600338

Commercial businesses can also arrange a contract to have their waste uplifted by contacting North Ayrshire Council on 01294 485370.

Fly-tipping - The illegal deposit of controlled waste onto land, which is not covered by a Waste Management Licence or an activity which is registered with SEPA as being exempt.