SPY cameras are being hidden in trees across Basildon as part of a crackdown on fly-tipping and people failing to use the council’s new waste screen correctly, it has been revealed. 

Basildon Council is handing out “more fines than ever” thanks to a new initiative which sees hidden CCTV cameras placed in trees across the borough. 

Since November, residents have been instructed to divide their waste into six different sacks and bins, but a failure to engage has seen an increase of rubbish lining the streets. 

In response, Kevin Blake, councillor responsible for the environment, says the council is now “coming down hard” on fly-tippers, including people continuing to use the old pink and black rubbish sacks. 

Mr Blake said: “We’re fining more people than ever before. We’re introducing CCTV cameras in certain areas which are being used to target people dumping rubbish illegally.

“We will come after you and we will get you.

Echo: Rubbish - incidents of fly-tipping have increased since the new scheme was introduced.Rubbish - incidents of fly-tipping have increased since the new scheme was introduced. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

“We’re using mobile cameras in trees, which can be moved and taken down. They’re less conspicuous than standard CCTV cameras.

“We’ve seen a huge increase in fines.”

Mr Blake defended the new collection scheme, citing an increase in recycled waste.

He added: “The system is working. In December 2022, our recycling rate was 41 per cent. In December 2023, it was 58 per cent.

“There are still improvements to be made but we will continue to push forward with it. I’d like to thank all the residents who are playing their part.”

Echo: Waste of money - Mr Heath has criticised the plans.Waste of money - Mr Heath has criticised the plans. (Image: Norman Heath)

Moretons resident Norman Heath, 70, has experienced issues with fly-tipping and missed rubbish collections. He does not feel the cameras will be effective at catching fly-tippers.

He said: “I can’t see it working. This is going on all over the borough, so they’d need to put in hundreds of cameras.

“It’s a total waste of money. I think it’ll go down as well as the blue and white sacks.

“It’s easier to identify people dumping from cars using their number plates, but they’ll need facial recognition to find people walking to dump their rubbish.

“Instead, the council needs to respond to people’s fly-tipping reports more urgently.”