A Safer Streets funded project run in partnership with environmental charity, Keep Britian Tidy has seen illegal dumping of waste, reduced by half on targeted streets. The project, which ran for five weeks in October and November 2022 saw interventions, including crime scene investigation (CSI) tape and a social impact stencil used to reduce illegal dumping.
A total of nine streets, with high reported levels of illegal dumping were targeted with two different interventions, accompanied by leaflets delivered to local businesses and residents in surrounding areas.
The CSI tape intervention saw fly tips on five streets surrounded with the bright yellow and black tape and accompanied with a yellow and black sign saying the maximum fine (£400) for illegally dumping waste. They were then left in situ for five days. In the period following the intervention, fly-tipping was reduced by 48.5% showing that the campaign had a lasting effect on behaviours.
The social impact stencil intervention also yielded positive results with a 51.1% reduction in fly-tipping after the five-week intervention period. Stencils were used in four areas with a vivid orange spray paint used to place a message on the pavement in front of fly-tips.
Following the trial campaign, Derby City Council’s Street Cleansing teams will now be able to use these interventions in other city streets where there are reported fly tips.
Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa, Cabinet Member for Communities and Streetpride commented:
“This fantastic piece of partnership work with Keep Britian Tidy shows that we’re serious about tackling the blight of fly-tipping in our city. Local people know I've been closely involved with this project from the start and I am pleased it has been such a success. As the new Cabinet Member for Streetpride, I’m working with officers to look at ways to make it easier for residents to dispose of bulky waste in the right way. This includes free bulky waste collections and reviewing the booking system at Raynesway HWRC.
“Our residents are quick to tell us how much they dislike fly-tipping on their street so, if residents see fly-tipping, I’d encourage them to report this to us so we can investigate and where possible, take action.”
Dr. Anna Scott, Director of Services at Keep Britain Tidy added:
“It’s been great to work with Derby City Council and see the positive impact this campaign has had in the city. Our aim when working with councils to roll out these interventions is to upskill staff so that they can take the programme forward without the need for ongoing support. Our report contains recommendations that the team can take forward to make further progress and keep Derby tidy.”