A charity doing what it can to tackle fly tipping in the Belfast Hills is urging householders to be responsible when getting rid of unwanted items after Christmas.
Belfast Hills Partnership says it was forced to take action because of “persistent offenders emptying their rubbish along quiet country lanes in the hills”.
After securing funding, signage and licenses for cameras to monitor hot spots they have been working with authorities to try and end the blight.
Read more: 141,300 tonnes of biodegradable NI waste sent to landfill despite climate impact
Efforts throughout 2022 caught 20 fly tippers red-handed, leading to some prosecutions.
Belfast Hills Partnership Manager Jim Bradley said: “Most urban fringe areas suffer from ongoing fly-tipping with many assuming nothing can be done to stop persistent offenders emptying their rubbish along quiet country lanes in the hills.
“We decided enough was enough and started putting up cameras to catch these polluters.”
BHP’s wildlife connections officer Noel Rice says the signage they put up has made an impact. He added: “Residents who bear the brunt of this anti-social behaviour have told us that the presence of signage, whilst not eliminating fly-tipping, has definitely reduced the amount of incidents.”
But the group says the festive season delivers a rise in fly-tipping in the hills. BHP is urging people across the city and further afield to keep the hills tidy and free from waste by getting rid of it properly.
“If not collected by a reliable person your rubbish could end up being dumped and you could be held liable,” they added.
“Local Councils can offer a free bulky waste collection service for larger items such as furniture and some electrical appliances.
“Items that are still in good condition can be donated for future use to charity shops. Platforms such as Freecycle can link you up with local people who might be interested in what you no longer want.”
Mr Bradley added: “Everyone always focuses on recycling but re-using things are just as important.
“Before you part with something consider whether it is at the end of its life-span or if you or someone else can breathe some new life into it. Putting in that extra bit of thought and care means our hills stay free from rubbish.”
If you see illegal dumping this festive season remember BHP says you can report it to the local authorities who can take appropriate action as “by working together communities can send a strong message that fly-tipping will not be tolerated at any time of the year”.
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