Reports of fly-tipping in some parts of Livingston have fallen compared to last year’s figures.
David Lees told a recent meeting of the Livingston South Local Area Committee there had only been 77 complaints about fly tipping between February 1 and April 30.
That compares to 102 for the same period last year.
While the downward trend is good news two changes may actually signal a climb in the figures.
Mr Lees, from the council’s Operational Services, highlighted the introduction of new working practices as part of budget cutbacks.
This will mean fewer enforcement officers working across the county.
He also explained the council’s new social media linked campaign, where the public is encouraged to report dumping.
Council officers will photograph waste and post photos on social media, asking for help in identifying owners of the rubbish, or the dumpers.
Mr Lees explained that the new practice would help the service build up a picture of where in the county was being used by dumpers.
“We’ll start getting a better idea if there are hotspots, if there specific areas which are continually being used for fly-tipping,” he said.
He said that the campaign would also remind people of their responsibility in disposing of material and may lead to an increase in reporting.
Concerns about an increase on the back of the changes in hours for the recycling centres were raised.
Mr Lees said this would be monitored by NETS teams but added the problem was largely driven by “commercial” operators.
Chairing the meeting, Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick said he didn’t agree with the popular belief that it was frustration at the change in recycling centre opening times that drove fly-tipping.
He said that the public are aware they should not be dumping rubbish.
He added: “People know it’s illegal.
“We are doing our best with the money that we have.”
