Council workers had to deal with over 1,200 incidents of fly-tipping in nine months, it has been revealed – with the majority in the Barrow area.
Data released by Westmorland & Furness Council showed that between April 1 2024 and December 31 2024, there were 932 incidents of fly-tipping in Barrow, 177 in Eden and 120 in the South Lakes.
They included 28 times when animal carcasses were dumped and three times when asbestos was abandoned.
There were also 297 incidents in the Barrow area which required a tipper lorry load to clear up, at a cost of £165 to the council per incident.
A spokeman for Westmorland and Furness Council said: “Fly-tipping is not a victimless crime. As well as the cost to the environment, the financial cost of clearance, disposal and investigation is ultimately borne by the council taxpayers.
“We investigate every case of fly-tipping reported and, if appropriate and possible, action will be taken. This can range from fixed penalty notices and warning letters being issued to prosecutions, potentially significant fines and even custodial sentences.”
The authority warned the maximum penalty for fly-tipping that can be imposed by the courts is a £50,000 fine and up to five years in prison for the most serious offences.
The spokesman added: “We ask members of the public who have any information about incidents to report it to us through our website.
“Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to working with communities to tackle fly-tipping, continuing to increase awareness and providing high-quality and accessible services to residents who wish to dispose of waste.
“Residents can dispose of unwanted large items or non-recyclables by taking them to our Household Waste Recycling Centre or by contacting us to arrange collection – to find out more, visit our website.
“Residents are also reminded that they have a responsibility to ensure that waste or building materials from their property is disposed of correctly.
“If you employ someone to take it away and dispose of it then you could be facing a fine yourself if that waste is subsequently fly-tipped.
“If the price you are quoted to take it away seems too good to be true, then it probably is and you should beware.”
