Environmental group reports increase in illegal waste dumping
A charity has expressed frustration over a significant rise in fly-tipping along the northern coastline of the Isle of Man, particularly in areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Litter-picking organisation Beach Buddies has reported a growing number of discarded electrical goods, including televisions, computer monitors, and fridge-freezers, being abandoned on beaches between the Point of Ayre and Ballaugh. Some of these items have also been left at the charity’s designated collection points, creating further challenges for the group.
Rising cost of disposal
Founder of Beach Buddies, Bill Dale, has voiced his concern over the financial burden placed on the organisation due to the improper disposal of large electrical appliances. He is perplexed as to why individuals believe such behaviour is acceptable.
Mr Dale noted that the north-west coastline, particularly around the Point of Ayre, had become a “hotspot” for dumping large, unwanted items. He stressed that the area is home to a nature reserve, which provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species, making the issue even more troubling.
Dumping to avoid fees
Mr Dale believes that some people are fly-tipping in order to evade the costs associated with proper waste disposal.
He explained: “People are thinking, ‘I don’t really want to pay £120 to get rid of this fridge-freezer, so I’ll just take it to the Point of Ayre in the dark one night, chuck it out the back of a van, and drive off.'”
“It’s 100% wrong!” he added, condemning the act as both irresponsible and damaging to the environment.
At present, disposal costs at the Northern Civic Amenity Site stand at £23 for a television, £14 for a computer screen, and £128 for a large fridge-freezer. However, rather than paying these fees, some individuals are opting to illegally dump their items in remote locations, leaving the clean-up costs to charities and local authorities.
A simple solution
Mr Dale has suggested a straightforward solution to the issue, advocating for an upfront disposal charge to be included at the time of purchasing new electrical appliances.
He stated: “If we introduce an upfront fee, it ensures the inevitable disposal of the item is already covered. There is no reason to dump it anywhere other than the amenity site if this system is in place.”
The suggestion echoes similar schemes in other regions where consumers contribute to a recycling fund when buying new electrical goods, ensuring they are disposed of responsibly when they reach the end of their lifespan.
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Call for action
Beach Buddies has urged the Isle of Man government to consider policy changes that could help prevent fly-tipping and ensure responsible waste disposal. The organisation also encourages residents to report any instances of illegal dumping to the authorities to help curb the growing issue.
In the meantime, the charity continues to rely on volunteers to assist with clearing dumped waste and maintaining the beauty of the island’s coastline.
Mr Dale concluded: “The Isle of Man is a stunning place, and it’s heartbreaking to see people treating it like a landfill site. We need to come together as a community to put an end to this disgraceful behaviour.”
With the issue of fly-tipping on the rise, Beach Buddies remains committed to tackling the problem and hopes that long-term solutions will soon be implemented to protect the environment and wildlife of the Isle of Man.
