Fly-tipping is on the rise and trips to recycling centres are declining since a booking system was introduced, it has been revealed.
Speaking at West Norfolk Council’s full meeting last Thursday, Cllr Sandra Squire told members she believes the booking system, introduced by Norfolk County Council in late 2024, has led to more people dumping waste.
The cabinet member for environment and coastal was asked by Cllr Deborah Heneghan if she had raised concerns about the system with the county council.
The site on Clockcase Road in Clenchwarton. Picture: Alice Hobbs
“We should be making it easier for residents to recycle,” Cllr Heneghan said.
“Are you in discussions with the county council about this, because we as a borough actually bear the cost of the fly-tipping?”
Cllr Heneghan described the website to book a timeslot to visit to tips – including those at Saddlebow in Lynn, Ashill, Docking, Heacham and Wereham – as “clunky to use”.
West Norfolk councillor Sandra Squire. Picture: West Norfolk Council
Fly-tipping has been on the rise in West Norfolk, especially in certain hotspots such as Clenchwarton.
Just a few weeks ago, West Norfolk Council had to clear 65 tonnes of waste dumped in the village.
Cllr Squire explained she feels that the introduction of the booking system has inadvertently caused more rubbish to be illegally discarded.
“I do believe the booking system has led to an increase in fly-tipping rates,” she said.
“But once the county council make a decision, they are unlikely to go back on it.
“We have fewer visitors to the recycling centre, but saying this, it was not the case last weekend when I paid a visit to the tip.”
The booking system for tips across Norfolk, which went live in November 2024, has faced continuous concerns from councillors worried about illegally dumped rubbish.
However, the county council insisted the changes would help with service demand, reduce congestion and make sites safer.