Fly-tipping around various locations on the outskirts of Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann.

RUBBISH is being illegally dumped at beauty spots across Northern Ireland following a decision by councils to close recycling centres as part of coronavirus prevention measures.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said it has received "a number of complaints" about so-called fly-tipping in "the last number of days".

Council chair Siobhan Currie warned that clearing it up is diverting vital resources away from "critical services".

"The recent spate of fly-tipping is both environmentally and socially unacceptable as well as a public health risk to our community and staff and it has resulted in resources being diverted to clean-up such instances," she said.

"These resources are needed to ensure that the council can continue to deliver critical services. It is placing an additional burden on staff and resources at this unprecedented and challenging time."

Ms Currie urged people to think of others during the Covid-19 lockdown.

"I recognise that many people are using the opportunity of being at home to carry out some spring cleaning.

"However, with recycling centres currently closed in response to government guidance on closure of non-essential premises to control social distancing, I would ask that householders please store items at home until further notice."

She said in all cases the material is "fully inspected" for evidence to identify those responsible and significant cases at this time may be reported to the PSNI.

Council enforcement officers can issue a £75 fixed penalty fine to anyone found littering, with serious incidents prosecuted in a magistrates court where fines of up to £2,500 can be imposed.

Belfast City Council also urged ratepayers to do their bit to help their neighbours and key workers.

"We're appealing to everyone to please help protect our essential workers and keep communities clean by not fly-tipping," a spokeswoman said.

"Rubbish bags should not be left out on the street or beside bins or recycling banks."

All household recycling centres in Northern Ireland are closed "to allow staff and other critical resources to be diverted elsewhere" and prevent the public from making "unnecessary journeys" and ensure social distancing measures are observed.

The Stormont Executive has urged people not to leave their rubbish outside closed recycling centres, charity shops or beside street bins and recycling banks,

It told householders who are "spring cleaning or clearing out your house or garage", to store securely and keep material dry and "be patient, as it may be some time before household recycling centres reopen".

The public is warned not to touch fly-tipped waste which might contain "syringes, broken glass, asbestos, toxic chemicals or other hazardous substances".