East Devon takes a stand against fly-tipping with public awareness event
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Fly-tipping, a persistent and costly blight on East Devon’s landscape, is being tackled head-on with a public awareness event on Monday, 2nd June. Spearheaded by East Devon District Council (EDDC) in partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police, the Environment Agency, and other local organisations, the initiative aims to spotlight the damage illegal waste dumping inflicts on communities, the environment, and public resources.
Held at the Model Airfield Car Park in Woodbury from 10.00am to 12.00pm, the event will feature a striking centrepiece: a staged fly-tip installation designed to mirror real-life incidents. This visual representation will serve as a stark reminder of the scale and consequences of the issue, inviting reflection and conversation among local residents and stakeholders.
Attendees will be able to engage directly with representatives from EDDC, police officers, and partners including Clean Devon and Clinton Devon Estates. Through these interactions, they’ll learn how to report fly-tipping, use licensed waste carriers, and dispose of waste responsibly through local recycling facilities.
“Fly-tipping pollutes our countryside, harms wildlife, and places an unfair burden on landowners and local taxpayers,” said Councillor Geoff Jung. “This event is not just about raising awareness - it’s about encouraging action. Every resident has a role to play.”
The scale of the problem is not limited to unsightly waste. Beyond damaging natural habitats and threatening public health, fly-tipping diverts essential funds from public services and burdens private landowners with cleanup costs.
In East Devon, the financial toll of dealing with fly-tipping continues to mount, underlining the urgent need for collective responsibility and preventative action.
The council and its partners hope that by demonstrating the real-world impacts of fly-tipping and offering practical guidance, residents will feel empowered to make informed, responsible decisions about waste disposal.
The event also aims to foster a stronger sense of community accountability. Resources and takeaway materials will be available to help individuals spread the message in their own networks - reinforcing that tackling fly-tipping requires ongoing vigilance and cooperation.
Residents are encouraged to report incidents via the council’s online portal at eastdevon.gov.uk/report-fly-tipping, and to stay informed about waste management best practices.
( Photos: Pixabay Library 📸 )