Zero fly-tipping prosecutions across Falkirk in last six years

And at a time when public health has never been so important - and council budgets so tight - perhaps its time to look at the weapons that are being used in the war against fly-tipping.

In theory, it should not be worth the risk: the fixed penalty for fly-tipping is £200 and if that's not paid, you may be prosecuted with the risk of a fine of up to £40,000.

But figures show that in the Falkirk Council area, fixed penalty notices have been far and few between over the last few years - and even fewer of that number are actually paid.

The figures also show that there hasn't been a single prosecution for fly-tipping in the past six years.

But this is not a unique problem to Falkirk and across Scotland campaigning groups are looking at new approaches to the problem.

Paul Wallace, campaigns and social innovation manager with Keep Scotland Beautiful said: “We recognise that the current enforcement system is not working and are calling for a full review of the existing, failing enforcement model to assess the most effective and efficient approach."

Enforcement, he says, has to be a key part of the solution - but only when it is done alongside things such as good access to waste disposal facilities, education initiatives and campaigns.

"The simple fact is that if we all took responsibility for our waste there would be no need for enforcement," he believes.

In Falkirk, positive change is happening, says Douglas Gardiner, waste services manager at Falkirk Council.

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The figures show that this year, by August the number of fixed penalty notices had shot up to 104 - up from just 16 issued in the whole of the previous year.

"There has been an increase in fixed penalties given out and that's because of the focus of the enforcement officers," said Mr Gardiner.

The council expanded its environment enforcement team last year, with officers now working seven days week.

It also has more CCTV cameras to use on problem locations.

And a new online way to report fly tipping - My Falkirk - also means detailed reports of fly-tipping are received quickly - with photos where possible - and 'double reporting' is less of a problem.

Having all this data, says Mr Gardiner, is creating a more targeted approach - and it also means the team will have better evidence that will help them get convictions in the future.

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But the real hope is that the extra officers and CCTV will prevent the dumping happening in the first place.

"Whilst we have the powers to issue penalties, we're really trying to take a preventative approach," said Mr Gardiner.

"We're trying to stop littering and fly tipping from happening, but when an offence has taken place then those officers are on hand to issue a fixed penalty if need be.

"It's a partnership approach, working with SEPA and the police so anyone who hasn't paid their fine, we will absolutely take it forward and we will see it through."

The trouble is, it's often not the actual offender who'll find themselves on the wrong side of the law.

When enforcement officers examine evidence of fly tipping they look for items with names and addresses - and that may belong to someone who has paid for disposal in good faith.

“Please don’t be taken in by offers of cheap disposal – these are likely to lead to others fly-tipping your items," said Emma Leel, from Zero Waste Scotland.

"If you do hire a private organisation to dispose of waste please ensure they are operating within the law by requesting to see a copy of their waste carrier certificate and asking them where they intend to dispose of the waste.”

Falkirk Council is introducing a new litter strategy next year and they are keen for people - from businesses to community groups - to get involved to make it a success.

"We have a draft strategy but we want to hear from people because it has to be deliverable - we want a strategy that can really make a difference," said Mr Gardiner.

Councillor Paul Garner, who is the SNP's portfolio holder for the environment, knows how important the issue is to people.

"There is growing concern within our communities, and nationwide, and more and more are becoming empowered to take matters into their own hands," he said.

New groups include Inspire Denny & Dunipace, which Mr Garner helped bring together.

One member, Gillian Baird, said: “Having the support and ideas of a team of like-minded people has been a huge benefit personally and for the community.

"Even in the short period we’ve been active already we can feel big things happening and changing for the better, we have been so encouraged by the positive feedback we have had from the local community. ”

Mr Garner has also been impressed by the group 'Lets Get Grangemouth Clean'.

Known as the Glitter team, it aims to "bring a little pride back to the town for the people who live here" as one member put it.

Mr Garner added: "I wish I could mention all the groups around our area as they truly are marvellous.

"It was my hope when we set up the litter strategy team at Falkirk Council that people who are inclined to litter and fly-tip will think twice if they see it's their friends and locals clearing up their mess!"

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