Local residents and landlords are being urged to play their part after 25 tonnes of fly-tipped rubbish was removed from Middlesbrough back alleys in just two days.
And Middlesbrough Council has now pledged a fortnightly clean-up for all the town’s alleyways as part of its ongoing drive to stamp out the scourge of fly-tipping.
The town’s Environmental Neighbourhood Safety teams have been confronted by a deluge of dumped household and commercial waste in recent weeks.
The issue has been particularly severe in the Newport, North Ormesby and Central wards, but problems are regularly reported and dealt with across the town.
Last week the teams – including staff from the Council’s Recycling & Waste Service - removed nearly 25 tonnes of waste in Central ward in just two days, and this week a further six tonnes were removed from a single back alley.
Since the start of the year 25 individuals have been hit with fines of up to £800 for fly-tipping, with three prosecutions resulting in convictions at court.
Crews are now drawing up plans to give every alley across the borough a complete clean every two weeks, while urging residents, businesses and landlords to keep alleys clear of waste and use the bins provided correctly.
Councillor Janet Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Community Safety, said: “Fly-tipping is selfish, inconsiderate and unnecessary, and can blight whole communities.
“Our brilliant teams work tirelessly to deal with problems as they arise, and those responsible face prosecution, fines and a criminal record.
“But we need people to take responsibility for their own alleys and neighbourhoods – and keep telling us where the problems are and who’s responsible and we’ll make sure they’re held to account.
“Together we can reclaim our streets, back alleys and public spaces for the law-abiding folk who take genuine pride in their local area.”
Anyone with information on fly-tipping can send details to evidence@middlesbrough.gov.uk or call the Contact Centre on 01642 726001.
Fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and many other offences can also be reported online.
Middlesbrough Council offers a safe, free or inexpensive bulky waste collection service. For more information and to request a collection, visit the bulky waste page or call 01642 726001.
Residents can also book online to dispose of large items at the Household Waste and Recycling Centre at Haverton Hill.
There is no charge for residents but fees apply for businesses.