The public’s help is needed to identify those responsible for fly‑tipping roofing waste in rural Dorset.
Our Environmental Enforcement team is investigating two recent incidents where roofing materials in red sacks were dumped, causing damage to the local environment and creating hazards for walkers and horse riders.
The first incident took place near Gales Hill, Cosmore, at the end of March. A second fly‑tip was discovered during the weekend of 9/10 May near Zig Zag Hill, near Shaftesbury.
We are carrying out investigations to trace the culprits. We also want to hear from anyone who may have seen roofing work being carried out in the area, vehicles transporting roofing waste, or suspicious activity near the affected bridleways around the times of the incidents.
Dashcam footage, doorstep video or details such as a vehicle description, a partial car registration number plates, company name, times and locations could help officers identify those responsible.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services, said:
“Fly‑tipping is selfish, illegal and completely unacceptable. It damages Dorset’s beautiful countryside, creates real problems for people who use and care for our bridleways and costs taxpayers thousands of pounds in clear-up fees.
“If you’ve seen roofing work taking place nearby, noticed vehicles dumping waste, or have any information that could help our investigation, please get in touch. It will be treated in strict confidence but could make a real difference.
“We are committed to protecting the county’s natural environment and will take enforcement action against those responsible for fly tipping.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Council on 01305 221000. All information provided will be treated in strict confidence.
We work closely with landowners and partner agencies to investigate fly‑tipping incidents and will pursue enforcement action. This can include fines, prosecutions and the recovery of clean‑up costs.
Trade and business waste
Businesses, including traders carrying out work for households, must dispose of their waste using licensed commercial waste facilities. This must be done either by arranging collections with a licensed waste carrier or by taking waste directly to a licensed commercial waste site or transfer station. Household recycling centres cannot be legally used for business or trade waste.
Residents’ responsibility
Residents should always check that anyone they employ to carry out building, roofing, maintenance or clearance work holds a valid waste carrier’s licence and can show how they will dispose of waste legally.
If waste is fly tipped and traced back to a household, the householder can face enforcement action, including fines, even if the waste was dumped by a contractor.
