GLASGOW City Council had to tackle the highest number of fly-tipping cases in Scotland over the last year.

A Freedom of Information request by the Scottish Conservatives found that teams had to be sent out a staggering 19,313 times to deal with thoughtless dumping all across the city.

The data also revealed that more than 60,00 cases were recorded across the country's local authorities in 2022.

MSP Murdo Fraser described the figures as ‘alarming’ and called for tougher controls and new legislation to tackle what he says is a 'growing scourge' on communities.

He added: “It is clear from these alarming figures that robust, new fly-tipping legislation is urgently needed.

“That is why I’m delighted my Member’s Bill, which has overwhelming public backing, received the necessary cross-party support to enable me to bring it before the Scottish Parliament.

“Fly-tipping creates huge environmental damage across Scotland, which blights the nation’s landscape in both rural and urban areas.

“The irresponsible, destructive and criminal dumping of refuse and waste at unauthorised locations leaves landowners and public authorities facing substantial costs.

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“Such incidents – often carried out by organised crime gangs – are clearly on the increase, so it’s important we get this law on the statute book as soon as possible."

Mr Fraser’s Member’s Bill aims to improve current laws around fly-tipping by ensuring that there is better data collection, reporting mechanisms and increased, standardised sanctions.

A spokesperson for Scottish Land and Estates said: "To help end this often large-scale criminal activity, we believe greater public education regarding the true impact of fly-tipping is needed, as well as tougher prison sentences, significantly higher fines, scrapping the offender’s vehicle and making the polluter pay for the clean-up, rather than the innocent victim who owns the property’.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said figures in the city are showing signs of improvement. 

He added: “There is no excuse for fly-tipping.

“People have a responsibility to ensure their waste is disposed of appropriately at all times, including when that waste is handled by a third party.

“Fly-tipping is damaging to local environments and places unnecessary demands on the publicly funded services required to clear-up waste dumped in public places.

“Figures in Glasgow are showing signs of improvement and our enforcement efforts focus on the most affected areas of the city by investigating incidents and ensuring local businesses have appropriate waste disposal arrangements in place.

“Residents are always encouraged to see if the items they wish to throw away can be reused and various on-line options are available for people looking to pass on second hand goods.

“Our household waste and recycling centres are also open seven days a week and the bulk uplift system ensures even the largest items can be removed and disposed of properly for £5 per item.

“If anyone has any information on those responsible for fly-tipping incidents they can contact our environmental health team, who can take enforcement action.”