RESIDENTS are being urged to report incidents of fly-tipping as the battle against the problem hots up across the Ryedale district.

Council bosses say the issue is blighting too many parts of the district and is costing residents, businesses, landowners and the council thousands to clear away every year.

The clean-up bill to Ryedale District Council was approximately £10,000 over the last year - and much of the waste could have been reused, recycled or disposed of free of charge at household waste recycling centres.

And during June, the Don’t be a Waster – Reduce, Reuse, Respect campaign is spotlighting the issue.

Ryedale District Council’s chairman of policy and resources, Cllr Luke Ives, said: "We all have our part to play - both by reporting acts of illegal dumping and by being sure to employ responsible tradespeople with the appropriate waste carriers licence to remove household or commercial waste.

"If you see someone dumping rubbish please report it to us and join the fight against fly-tipping.

“There is no excuse for disposing of rubbish illegally. It’s disgusting and an eyesore. Those who deliberately make a mess of our communities should know we will investigate these incidents."

Dumping waste is a criminal offence with a fine of up £50,000 at magistrates court or an unlimited fine and a possible prison sentence of up to five years at crown court.

If you witness fly-tipping taking place report it online at ryedale.gov.uk/report-fly-tipping.html or by call 01653-600666 with the vehicle registration details and the location of the incident.