Having been targeted by fly-tippers for several years, a Hertfordshire farmer estimates that he has been forced pay at least £8,000 for rubbish to be removed from his land.
Andrew Watts, who operates Wallington Farms near Royston and Watton at Stone, claims that the fly-tipping problem has become worse in recent times.
In particular, industrial waste is being left on Mr Watts' arable farm near Hertford.
The farm manager said: "People are still smashing though the barriers and dumping their rubbish.
"We have had lorry loads dumped here recently and we need more action nationally to put an end to it.
"This is not a victimless crime.”
Mr Watts also praised outgoing Hertfordshire police and crime commissioner (PCC) David Lloyd's Fly-tipping On Private Land Fund, which has been operating since 2018.
This sees the PCC pay victims towards the costs of removing rubbish.
Mr Lloyd has announced he is standing down as Hertfordshire PCC at the next election, but with hopes that the fund will continue.
Mr Watts has received around £2,500 from the fund, which he has invested in cameras and security.
He said: “It’s a great scheme. I hope it continues and that other organisations run similar projects elsewhere."
PCC David Lloyd added: “All 10 district and borough councils across Hertfordshire have joined the scheme.
"This shows how committed all parties are to tackling fly tipping.
“Fly-tipping is one of the crimes I hear about most from the public.
"It blights the countryside and causes substantial costs for farmers and landowners to clear the waste, and poses a danger to road users, livestock and wildlife.
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"It spoils the enjoyment of the countryside for all.
“I do not believe it is fair that farmers and landowners are left to pick up a bill, which can run in to thousands of pounds, because someone else has fly tipped on their property.”
A spokesperson for the National Farmers' Union commented: "The NFU welcomes recent government initiatives, including increasing the maximum penalty for fly-tipping from £400 to £1,000, funding a new fly-tipping post within the National Rural Crime Unit and abolishing charges for DIY waste to be disposed of at recycling centres."
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