Sunderland among worst in the country for fly-tipping

Fly tipped rubbish along Foxcover Lane, Sunderland

The cities are in the top ten for fly-tipping and mattress fly-tipping in England respectively, according to new research by recycling firm The Furniture Recycling Group.

More than half a million fly-tipping incidents were recorded in 77 major towns and cities over 2018/2019.

Mattresses, which are often seen as difficult and expensive to dispose of, make up much of the problem - nearly seven per cent of all waste illegally dumped in the last two years.

The Echo's Clean Streets campaign was launched in 2017

The Furniture Recycling Group expects to see a 30 per cent increase in the number of mattresses being processed at the start of the year, thanks to people making the most of the January sales.

Sunderland makes the top ten for fly-tipping incidents (16,674).

The Furniture Recycling Group Nick Oettinger, Managing Director of leading mattress recycling group, TFR Group, said: “It’s clear there needs to be a greater focus and wider awareness on the circular economy, where products are designed and produced with recycling and the end of its life in mind, at both local and national level.

“With our research showing that the UK is set to run out of landfill capacity by 2022, the UK industry of manufacturers and retailers need to work together to create a joined up solution to create a circular economy - that’s the only way to truly solve our recycling and waste crisis.”

In December 2017, the Echo launched its Clean Streets campaign in response to readers’ concerns about the cleanliness of public spaces across Sunderland.

Backed by Sunderland City Council, the campaign calls on the public to take pride in their community, and report any incidents of fly-tipping and littering.

Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Amy Wilson said: “This council has and continues to increase its powers and budgets on taking action against all fly-tippers and litter bugs.

“There are more staff fighting fly-tipping while vehicles connected with fly-tippers can and have been seized under our new powers.

“We always encourage anyone with information to report it immediately at https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/report-flytipping or 0191 520 5550.”