We’ve spoken before about the dangers of fly-tipping beyond the obvious aesthetic element, much in relation to residential areas but similar and possibly more threats are just as relevant for commercial properties/industrial estates.
Here’s some of the main concerns we’ve covered previously:
- Environmental impact – both the short- and long-term effects to the environment
- Fire hazards – obstructed entrances and exits affecting health and safety
- Hazardous/chemical waste – harm to human/animal life
- Pest/vermin – further health risks
- Landlords receiving complaints from tenants – issues with long-term tenancy/re-lets
When it comes to commercial properties, the above risks are still relevant but beyond that, there are other threats to consider.
- Fines – much like in residential properties, land and property owners face fines when fly tipping is not dealt with
- Danger to human/animal health – in industrial estates, fly-tipping and dumping of hazard chemicals which may affect surrounding operations can create risks for health of surrounding residents, animal life or workers in these areas
- Costs of uplift – these can be costly and due to the vast amount of space around some industrial estates rubbish and fly-tipping build up can rise quickly and get out of control
- Further antisocial behaviour – when the aesthetic of the external area deteriorates, it may encourage vandalism or break-ins
- Loss of income should operations be halted by obstruction to the entrance/hazardous waste not allowing for workers to attend the site
- From an insurance and health and safety point of view, fly-tipping and waste which is not attended to may have an effect on your policy
Beyond the health risks, from a sustainability point of view, a property with overspilling waste will not look good. There are professional services available to prevent fly-tipping but also to dispose of waste should this occur and ensuring these services are used in each instance will allow you to make choices which are better for the environment.
Glasgow City Council recently began an initiative where fly-tipping hot spots around the city were highlighted by signage and taped off with further action taken where necessary. With councils cracking down on environmental issues such as these, there is clearly a much-needed solution on both residential and commercial land. Councils are likely to contact land/property owners and landlords so it’s important to understand the situation, monitor and determine where the issue is stemming from.
What should you do?
- Install CCTV to determine if the problem is being caused by those working on a nearby site or by others/surrounding residents
- Consider CCTV, signage, and lighting to deter those fly-tipping from doing so in the first place
- Source professional waste disposal/clean and clear services should they be needed
- Ask professionals to assess the waste situation to ensure it is cleared safely
- Install fencing/barricades around the commercial property
- If the property is isolated, consider guarding out of hours
- Schedule regular property inspections for properties which are temporarily vacant for short or long periods of time to keep issues to a minimum
If you’re in need of professional clean and clear, property inspection or security services, don’t hesitate to get in touch today and we can determine the measures needed to ensure fly-tipping doesn’t result in long term, costly, environmental, and hazardous risks.