Officers from Police Scotland see an increase in fly tipping of household and building waste across the Highlands and Islands

Highland and Islands Police Division has noticed an increase in fly tipping across the region – which often comes from household and building waste.

A spokesman said that social media platforms had seen an increase in man with a van and dump run-type adverts and very often these operators do not have the correct paperwork to dispose of waste items and as a result the waste is dumped in rural areas.

He added: "If you contract a man with a van to do your dump run there are some simple checks you can do."

Checks include:

• Does the operator have a SEPA licence? All waste carriers are required to hold a licence and this can be checked at Sepa;

• Does the operator have a waste carrier's receipt to pass you? A licensed trader will have a receipt book to produce a chain of evidence for disposal;

• Record names, phone numbers and vehicle registrations of the person you are handing your waste and money to. A good operator will provide a receipt and a business card;

• Your local authority can be contacted in order to arrange a collection of unwanted household items.

The spokesman said: "Should you have an issue with fly tipping then please contact your local authority who will attend, investigate and if evidence is available will prosecute."