Councillor Suggests Waste Awareness Courses for Those Who Fly Tip

A Newport councillor thinks fly-tippers could attend a course. This idea is similar to courses for speeding. Yvonne Forsey suggested this during a council meet. She is responsible for climate change matters.

The course could involve litter picking. People could also visit recycling centers. They would learn the proper way to dispose of waste. The council said Forsey spoke hypothetically. There are no plans to start these courses.

Forsey stated speeding leads to awareness courses. She suggested a similar course for waste offenses. The course would include picking up litter and a visit to WasteSavers to teach recycling. Attendees would see how glass, metal, paper and plastic recycle.

Another visit would show how incinerators process waste. A visit to WRAP Cymru would follow. This would show recyclable items in residual bins. WRAP Cymru supports Welsh environmental goals.

Newport had the most fly-tipping in Wales last year. The council says they have increased their efforts and intensified action against illegal waste dumping. A lot of investigations are now underway. Cameras and license checks are in use.

They issued fines and started prosecutions. Forsey said these efforts have been successful. Fixed penalty notices increased by 1000%. Prosecutions almost tripled in number.

Forsey believes being caught deters bad behavior. They have increased the chance of catching offenders. Will Routley asked about covert cameras. He suggested buying more than three.

Routley said deterring and prosecuting helps everyone. Forsey thinks they have more than three cameras. Officers visited 310 homes in January. They addressed waste issues and gave advice.

People can report fly-tipping to the council. They can call or use the council website. The number is 01663 656656.