Fly-tipping increase blamed on restrictions to Horsham’s waste tip

Angry residents have hit out at a cut in opening hours at the tip at Hop Oast and at plans to introduce ID checks on people using the dump.

They spoke out after new Government figures revealed this week that the number of fly-tipping incidents in Horsham had risen from 792 to 1.108 in the past year.

West Sussex County Council has ruled that from December 1 people must show proof of identity when using the tip in a bid to deter people from outside the area dumping waste.

The Hop Oast waste site is now closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and closes at 4pm in the winter.

People have taken to social media to voice their views. Geoff Oborne commented: “Who’d have thought that closing dumps and restricting opening hours would lead to more fly tipping?”

Adam Clennell added: “No words for the stupidity of the decision to restrict domestic refuse and recycling site access.”

Lesley West said: “Reduced opening hours, ID to enter, long queues: is anyone really surprised at the increase of fly tipping?”

Ruth Nuttall said: “It is not logical to make taking domestic waste to the tip complicated in any way.

“A section of society will only dispose of rubbish properly if it is the easiest and cheapest option. Any small barrier like having to show ID, organise a permit in advance or pay a small fee will deter these idiots immediately.

“It’s better to encourage people to use the tip, by reducing/removing charges and increasing opening hours, than clearing up the countryside after these people fly-tip.”

A spokesman for West Sussex County Council said: “Fly-tipping is both criminal and antisocial and there is no excuse for it regardless of the policy of the local authority to ask for ID at Household Waste Recycling Sites (HWRSs).

“The majority of larger scale fly-tipping is perpetrated by rogue traders who are not permitted to use sites provided by local authorities for householders anyway.

“Fly-tipping has been on the increase nationally in recent years regardless of the changes to HWRSs. Those who perpetrate it risk large fines or imprisonment if convicted.

“Householders can avoid unwittingly contributing to fly-tipping by ensuring that if they pay anyone to take waste away, they are a reputable company or local trader with a Waste Carrier’s Licence.”