The Preston charities helping prevent fly-tipping

Rubbish strewn across the ground by fly tippers — Illegally disposing of waste can have a serious impact on land, wildlife and businesses

Prestonians are being reminded to recycle their waste where possible, but one in eight people across the UK (13 per cent) admit to illegally fly-tipping unwanted items, according to a new study.

The study, conducted by Furniture Choice, highlights how many people dispose of their rubbish illegally, and the impact this has on our planet.

The most recent government data reveals that local authorities in England dealt with over one million fly-tipping incidents between 2018/19.

To help reduce fly-tipping across the UK, Furniture Choice has created an online tool populated with more than 800 furniture recycling and donation centres across the UK, with the aim to help people identify their nearest location in which to take their unwanted furniture and white goods.

In Preston, you can donate your unwanted furniture at Sue Ryder in Blackpool Road near Tulketh Mill, and Gift 92 in Plungington.

At Sue Ryder you need to fill out a form and they will arrange a collection time that suits you. Gift 92 offers a free collection service, but welcomes donations to contribute towards van maintenance and fuel.

Illegally disposing of waste can have a serious impact on land, wildlife and businesses – 72 per cent of people know that disposing of rubbish in this way is illegal though, and could land them with a hefty fine.

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The survey revealed the top five reasons for fly-tipping in the UK are:

There is nowhere else to take rubbish (38 per cent)
Unaware it was illegal (28 per cent)
It was the easiest option available (22 per cent)
The cost of disposing properly was too high (16 per cent)
Because they could get away with it (11 per cent)

Tom Obbard, Director at Furniture Choice, said: “It is great to see that some councils are exercising their legislative powers and issuing fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping, as hopefully, it will deter people from committing the offence.

“However, more needs to be done on encouraging people to use recycling and donation sites instead of illegally discarding their waste.”

What do you think should be done about fly-tipping? Will you donate your unwanted furniture items to these local shops? Tell us in the comments below.