Scotland’s environmental watchdog has warned it will be “uncompromising” towards people caught fly-tipping rubbish during the lockdown.

The warning comes as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) publishes guidance to help people struggling to dispose of waste.

It also follows warnings from Argyll and Bute Council that it will get tough on people found dumping household waste in public spaces after incidents of fly-tipping were reported at the Helensburgh pier car park and elsewhere in the council area.

READ MORE: Council issues warning as Helensburgh sees rise in fly-tipping during lockdown

Argyll and Bute Council made major changes in March to its household waste collection schedule, with recycling and glass uplifts suspended and general waste picked up every two weeks, because of the pandemic.

All the local authority's 'civic amenity' sites – including the one at Blackhill on the northern edge of Helensburgh – remain closed until further notice as a result of the restrictions.

SEPA has also teamed up with Zero Waste Scotland, local government body Cosla, and the Scottish Government to launch a website – managingourwaste.scot – to give advice and updates on services.

READ MORE: Fury as 'lazy' Helensburgh dog owners pile up pets' waste on top of bins

Terry A’Hearn, SEPA chief executive, said: “We will be uncompromising towards those that choose to deliberately do the wrong thing.

“Remember, services that sound too good to be true often are and could lead to illegal fly-tipping, burning or illegal disposal.”

The new website advises that anyone with coronavirus symptoms should place used tissues in a disposable rubbish bag, which should be placed in another bag, tied securely, kept separate from other waste and put aside for at least 72 hours before it is put out for collection.

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