We are all aware that rubbish is present everywhere. It’s difficult to locate a place, especially in major US cities, where rubbish doesn’t line the streets and roads. Illegal dumping is not only unsightly and unlawful, but it also has a harmful environmental impact. One woman in the United Kingdom became so fed up with “fly-tipping” in her neighborhood that she gathered a mound of rubbish and mailed it to the address she discovered in the mail.

The Vigilante Acts
Holly Smith is a bit of an anti-illegal dumping vigilante. She was driving down a country lane in Upton St Leonards when she noticed a pile of illegally discarded waste. The community is in the county of Gloucestershire in Southwest England, and it is known for having clean, garbage-free roadways. She was irritated by the nasty eyesore she had come across. As a result, she decided to load it onto her trailer and return it to its rightful owner.

Taking a Stand Against Illegal Dumping
“You know it’s in everyone’s way, it’s in the middle of the road, so I just wanted to get it out of the way pretty much I just had that want to get it gone,” Holly added. She not only returned the trash, but she also videotaped herself doing so. “There’s all your crap back now, next time get yourself something to do it properly!” she says in the video.

She subsequently reported the illegal dumping to Stroud District Council, providing evidence in the form of the letter. She also stated that she felt a sense of community support. “They were delighted for me to return it. As I began to tip it all out onto the drive, the neighbors came out and exclaimed, “Well done, good on you!” I was overjoyed because I’d gotten rid of it and done something good for the neighborhood.” Holly revealed this during an interview with ITV News West Country. “This community is perfect, you won’t find any waste around here, it’s quite lovely,” she said, “and I felt really horrible for everybody with people walking past and saying, ‘that’s terrible, there’s junk everywhere,’ so it’s like right, I’m going to deal with it, I’m going to clear it out.”

Authorities React to Illegal Dumping
Although the District Council recommends against touching abandoned rubbish, if sufficient proof is given, the crooks are properly prosecuted. “Fly-tipping is prohibited, and where evidence is solid enough, the council will prosecute,” said a District Council representative. In general, we do not recommend touching waste because it may contain dangerous materials; instead, take note of the time and location of the fly-tip and report it.” “Waste collectors must be registered on the Environment Agency’s website and have a valid Waste Carrier’s License,” the statement continues, “and residents should ask where their waste will go and keep receipts for the service done.” For those unfamiliar with the term “fly-tipping,” it is essentially the British euphemism for illegal dumping. And Holly isn’t the only one who is fed up with the amount of garbage in the globe.

Repairing Some Damage
We’ve already talked about microplastics in the water and in our food. Plastic trash is being reduced by large corporations such as Patagonia and 4Ocean. They also recycle that garbage into their products. We are aware of numerous programs in which people participate in “side-of-the-road trash pickup.” People all throughout the world are fed up with unlawful dumping. They are concerned about the environmental damage. And what an eyesore it is when it floats around the side of roads.

There are some basic things that everyone may take to help maintain our streets clean. As a result, the globe will eventually be clean for us and future generations. Holly Smith has contributed. Not just by doing something about the garbage pile she came across. She’s also made it clear that she will not tolerate illegal dumping, or “fly-tipping,” as it’s colloquially known in the UK.