Fly-tipping has soared by up to 300 per cent as recycling sites have been closed.

Many parts of the country report an increase in people dumping household waste on road verges, lanes, parks and fields.

Most people start out going to the recycle centre, but when they find it shut dump the waste on the way home.

Some councils have also cut dustbin collection services – adding to the problem.

Parts of Oxford have been hit hard by the tippers.

A spokesman for West Oxfordshire District Council said:

“We have not calculated the exact tonnage data as yet but we can say we have seen a threefold increase in items at key sites which is forcing us to carry out additional collections with a dedicated crew and truck.

“It’s a mixture of items.

I can’t speak for other councils, but I am sure the situation is being replicated following the closure of the household recycling centres.”

Councillor Norman MacRae, cabinet member for the environment, said:

“While we have some sympathy with residents who may have quantities of waste building up, we must emphasise that for everyone’s safety please refrain from dumping it in public spaces.

“This places an unnecessary additional workload on our cleaning teams and is not acceptable at any time, let alone the current coronavirus situation.

“I would remind offenders that anyone caught fly-tipping will face prosecution and a large fine.”

Councillors in Lancashire also branded fly-tippers “disgusting” for taking advantage of the coronavirus outbreak to dump rubbish.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Ray Davies, said:

“We are in a situation where we are advised to isolate but, in some areas, they are taking advantage and simply fly tipping and not making full use of the bins.

“People are simply throwing bags and furniture into the back alleys and saying nothing to do with me.

“This is appalling.

“We have thoughtless residents taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic and dumping rubbish in back alleys.

“Meanwhile, the borough council staff are busy with other issues to do with the Covid-19 outbreak.

“We must help the council and take responsibility for our actions or we will be in isolation for a much longer time.”

Greater Manchester has also seen fly-tipping, with bin bags, household furniture items and cardboard boxes piled up in streets in Collyhurst, Chadderton and Saddleworth.

Some items have been dumped in local beauty spots.

Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, said:

“At a time when we should all be pulling together; it is disgraceful that anybody still thinks that it is OK to fly-tip in our neighbourhoods.

“We will continue our enforcement efforts on behalf of Manchester residents and prosecute offenders whenever the evidence allows.”