Fly-tipping rates have shown a significant increase in Swansea, with a variety of waste items such as mattresses, furniture, and car parts being illegally dumped on the streets. According to reports released, the Swansea council received 2,316 fly-tipping incidents in 2023-24, marking a 22% surge from the previous year’s 1,898 cases and a notable increase from the 1,425 incidents reported in 2019-20.
Councillor Mark Tribe shared his experience of regularly engaging in litter-picking activities in the Felindre area of his Llangyfelach ward, which has been identified as a hotspot for large-scale fly-tipping. He highlighted the diverse range of items that have been left on the roads, emphasising the need for community action to address this growing issue. Cllr Tribe mentioned instances where he and fellow volunteers found fast-food litter scattered along the roadsides on their clean-up outings.
One notable incident involved discovering 12 bags of rubbish in a stream in Felindre, prompting Cllr Tribe to report the matter to the council. Despite challenges in identifying the culprits, Cllr Tribe commended the council’s waste removal teams for their efforts in clearing up the mess left behind. However, he raised concerns about the reluctance to invest in CCTV surveillance in fly-tipping hotspots due to cost considerations.
Cabinet member for community, Cllr Cyril Anderson, expressed disappointment over the irresponsible behaviour of a minority of residents who choose to fly-tip waste instead of following proper disposal procedures. He stressed the financial burden that fly-tipping places on the council, diverting funds that could be better utilised elsewhere. The council has been proactive in responding to reported incidents, with enforcement activities and fines being issued to hold offenders accountable.
In response to the increasing fly-tipping reports, Cllr Peter Black advocated for enhanced enforcement measures, including the use of CCTV in targeted areas and better public awareness campaigns. The council’s efforts to combat fly-tipping have been supplemented by the deployment of ward cleaning units to address litter accumulation and illegal waste dumping across the county.
As the community works together to keep Swansea clean and litter-free, residents are encouraged to report any instances of fly-tipping to the council for prompt action. With a rise in reported incidents, there is a collective call for increased vigilance and cooperation to address the environmental and financial implications of fly-tipping on the local community.