A dedicated fly-tipping collection and enforcement team has collected over 70 tonnes of fly-tipped waste since it began operating in June this year.

Patrolling across the district, the team at idverde "proactively deal with fly-tips", reducing the amount of time it takes to clear the waste by identifying them before they are reported to the council.

The council said this helps to prevent further waste being fly-tipped in the same location.

Where a fly-tip is under investigation by the team, the waste will be wrapped in a special tape that notifies residents that the council is aware and investigating the matter.

The fly-tipping collection vehicles have recently had new signage on them, increasing the visibility of the team and "letting would-be fly-tippers know that the council is watching", investigating and fining those who fly-tip.

Fly-tips under investigation are wrapped in tape to notify residents the council is aware of the incident (image via Warwick District Council)

Cllr Will Roberts, portfolio holder for neighbourhood, said: "We know that fly-tipping is a concern and frustration for residents, impacting our neighbourhoods, creating a hazard for wildlife and posing a significant health and safety issue.

"Our new dedicated unit has been established to address these concerns, and it's great to see the effect they're already having when it comes to dealing with fly-tipping.

"Whilst collecting fly-tips earlier they are also helping investigate to find out who is responsible.

"This has already led to several fixed penalty notices being issued and whilst we would prefer not to give out any penalty notices, the message is clear – fly-tipping will not be tolerated in Warwick district."

The team is also investigating refuse sacks and other waste left by litter bins as this is also a form of fly-tipping.

These street litter bins are for minimal waste while people are out to reduce littering; regrettably, persistent dumping of waste next to them may result in these bins being removed completely.