Forestry Commission - News - joint effort aims to tackle fly-tipping

Cyclists, horse riders and walkers are being enlisted to help ensure that Lochaber’s forests stay clean and litter free.

In a move to tackle fly-tipping and the health and safety hazards that it causes, Forestry Commission Scotland is urging forest visitors to make use of SEPA's Dumb Dumpers Stopline.

Allan McKenzie, Forestry Commission Scotland, said:

“Our Lochaber forests are some of the most beautiful in the country and we want to make sure that they stay that way.

“The majority of visitors respect the forest environment but a small minority dump their rubbish - rubbish that could very easily have been taken to a council recycling centre or collection point.

"It is anti-social behaviour that creates hazards for visitors, children and Commission staff. We also have to waste resources on cleaning it up."

The 24 Stopline - 0845 230 4090 – allows members of the public to report in confidence details of any fly-tipping that they witness.

Colin Bayes, SEPA's Director of Environmental Protection and Improvement, said:

"Prevention is better than cure but if illegal dumping does occur then it must be reported for investigation. SEPA, and other enforcement authorities, cannot be everywhere at once, so we need people to be our eyes and ears and report sightings of illegal dumping.”

Notes to Editors
1) Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Government's forestry department. For more information log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/aboutfcs
2) It is an offence to dispose of waste illegally and the maximum penalty is a fine of Ł40,000 and/or six months in prison. It can also be an offence to actively allow illegal dumping to take place on your land. Businesses and householders are responsible for ensuring that their domestic or trade waste is being disposed of correctly – either by a registered waste carrier or at a licensed waste site.

Media Enquiries
Paul Munro, Forestry Commission Scotland press office, 0131 314 6507