Rotherham Council's 'CSI' teams declare war on junk

Rotherham Council is using special black and yellow “enviro-crime scene” tape to signal that they are aware of junk which has been abandoned and to raise awareness of the problem.

The council has to spend £150,000 a year dealing with fly-tipping and other environmental crimes.

“The use of the tape and its highly visible appearance conveys a variety of messages to both local residents and council colleagues.

“Its use lets residents know that the council has responded, and reassures the public that the council is aware of the items and that they will soon be removed.  

“It has also been our experience that once people realise that the council is on top of the matter it encourages residents to let us know who has been causing the problem. 

“It also helps the cleaning team know that the item has been fully checked for evidence that could be used in prosecutions and indicates that it is ready to be removed.    

“Enviro-crime is no joke and unfortunately, it is not just about fly-tipping.

“It is as its name suggests — any crime committed that affects the general environment and the neighbourhoods in which people live.

“Fly posting, graffiti, dog fouling and pollution generally are all crimes against the environment, which costs the authority significant of money to clear up.  

“We always respond to requests from members of the public who report fly tipping and if we discover any evidence whatsoever of who left the items we will prosecute the individuals where appropriate.

“For more conscientious members of the public who have rubbish to remove they can either take it to one of the four Household

Waste sites or if it is too bulky to move, take advantage of the council’s bulky waste collection, where there is a charge of £21 for up to three items.”

If caught, fly-tipping cuplrits can receive a fixed penalty fine of £80, a fine of up to £50,000 at the magistrates’ court, an unlimited fine at the Crown Court and a prison sentence of up to 5 years.

You can report flytipping via the council website at rotherham.gov.uk, email

[email protected] or phone 01709 336003.

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