Epping Forest is the second-worst hotspot for fly-tipping across the whole of Essex, according to new figures.

The district saw 2,284 reported fly-tips during the 2016/17 financial year, up from 1,944 the year previous.

The figure is the second-highest in the county, only beaten by Basildon, where authorities recorded a massive 5,762 in the space of just one year.

Across Essex, a total of 17,547 incidents were recorded last year, a 16 per cent increase the figure from 2015/16, costing the taxpayer a total of more than £1 million to clean-up.

Love Essex, a partnership of councils, businesses and environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, launched a new campaign, #CrimeNotToCare this week.

It aims to warn would-be fly-tippers they could end up with a criminal record and face an unlimited fine, even if a rogue trader dumps their waste illegally.

Cllr Simon Walsh, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for environment and waste, said: “There were 17,547 separate incidents of fly-tipping countywide last year, costing taxpayers’ £1,093,907 to clear up – money that could have been better spent on vital services.

“Almost 50 per cent of people don’t know they’re responsible by law if their rubbish is fly-tipped by a third party.

“We hope #CrimeNotToCare will educate people on how to dispose of their waste correctly to ensure they don’t end up with a criminal record and a hefty fine.”

Last week, the Guardian Series reported campaigner Paul Morris is petitioning for a review into waste management in Epping Forest due to “disgusting” levels of fly-tipping.

The move comes after residents reported an increase in dumped waste after Essex County Council scaled down the recycling centres in Chigwell and Waltham Abbey last November.

Waltham Abbey Town Council warned at the time this move would cause “unprecedented” levels of fly-tipping.