Harborough council wins top national recycling award after successfully tackling fly-tipping across the district head on

Thrilled Harborough council chiefs are celebrating winning a top national recycling award after successfully tackling fly-tipping across the district head on.

Cllr Jonathan Bateman today hailed the coveted accolade as a “brilliant result” after the council’s outstanding campaign to beat fly-tippers was saluted at the National Recycling Awards yesterday (Wednesday).

The UK’s recycling sector’s leading lights gathered online at a virtual ceremony to celebrate and showcase the industry’s achievements.

Harborough District Council won in the Campaign of the Year (up to £20,000) category for its Tip Off campaign and was praised by the National Recycling Awards expert judging panel.

The judging panel said the council’s mission “demonstrated direct intervention into a critical issue, had a big impact and showed value for money in an effective campaign.

“It is a good example of taking on a challenging issue and getting the community involved.”

The Tip Off crackdown aims to increase awareness and encourage reporting of fly-tipping.

The high-profile campaign has slashed the number of incidents in Harborough and led to a string of prosecutions and fines for offenders.

Cllr Bateman, Harborough District Council’s cabinet lead for environment and waste, said: “This is a brilliant result and huge credit to those behind this campaign, including our contractor FCC Environment.

“Tip Off has achieved real success in tackling fly-tipping across the Harborough district and we are continuing to reduce incidents of fly-tipping thanks to our ongoing work.

“But we couldn’t do it without the fantastic support of residents who report incidents and help provide us with the information we need to fine or prosecute those responsible for blighting the district.”

In 2018/19 there were 728 incidents of fly-tipping reported in the district.

Following the re-launch of Tip Off that figure plunged in 2019/20 to 484 incidents.

And currently, for the 2020/21 period (up to December), the number has dropped again to 381 incidents.

The authority works closely with its contractor FCC Environment to gather evidence from fly-tip crimes and also removes dumped waste and rubbish as fast as possible.

An extensive social media effort has also been mounted as well as in newsletters and updates when people are fined or convicted of fly-tipping offences.

Corin Williams, editor at Material Recycling World, (MRW), said: “The standard of entries this year was very impressive indeed and the winners had to see off a lot of stiff competition.

“I am once again amazed at the strength and depth in the sector.”

He added: “This has a challenging year for us all and the commitment from the thousands of employees represented at the NRAs has been inspirational.

“They are keeping the country going and are lighting the way to a more resource-efficient future.”

The MRW National Recycling Awards were hosted on the night by comedian and Great British Bake Off regular Tom Allen.

The competition brings together recycling and waste management professionals to recognise and celebrate best practice and innovation in recycling and waste management.

The awards provide industry recognition and unrivalled networking opportunities.

With 17 categories, the awards cover every aspect of the recycling and waste management industry, from Food Waste Initiative to Recycling Excellence.

You can report fly-tipping and find out more about Tip Off at www.harborough.gov.uk/tipoff