CCTV cameras installed in the Belfast hills have captured people fly-tipping more than 20 times in seven months.
The cameras were installed by the Belfast Hills Partnership in August 2021 following concerns that the hills were being increasingly used to dump unwanted rubbish.
A large collection of tyres, old sofas and mattresses are among the items which have been dumped in the hills.
"For too long our beautiful Belfast hills have suffered from the blight of a few thoughtless people who use this wonderful natural asset of Belfast as a personal dumping ground," the Partnership said.
"Whether ditching their take-away and drinks bottles out the car window, or larger scale dumping of rubbish (often referred to as fly-tipping), the effect on the local countryside, wildlife and community is devastating."
The footage has been passed on to local authorities and may result in prosecutions.
The Partnership has put up signs warning people who dump rubbish that they may be captured on film.
"Evidence suggests that this signage is making people think again about dumping their rubbish in these areas, with less rubbish being dumped and more local residents asking for signs to be placed near them too," the Partnership said.
"It is however difficult to know if we have helped stop this thoughtless behaviour, or simply moved the problem on elsewhere."
Noel Rice, wildlife connections officer with the Belfast Hills Partnership, said people living in the area "who bear the brunt of this anti-social behaviour", have welcomed the signs and cameras.
"They've told us that the presence of signage, warning about the possibility of CCTV monitoring, whilst not eliminating fly-tipping, has definitely reduced the amount of incidents," he said.
The Partnership's environmental engagement officer Laura Shiels has been working with primary schools and youth groups to talk about litter and fly-tipping.
The children's responses have been made into short films where they challenge those who dump rubbish.
Bunscoil An tSléibhe Dhuibh, Ballymacward PS, Newhill Youth Centre and St Teresa’s Youth Centre all took part in the project.
"It has been really encouraging getting to meet so many local kids who really care about looking after our local wildlife and want other people to care as well," Ms Shiels said.
"They want to be able to enjoy the hills, not see them constantly dumped on.
"We hope that by sharing what our young people have to say that those who litter and dump will think twice about their actions and consider the impact they are having on the local community."
To view the short films, visit Belfast Hills Partnership's YouTube channel on https://bit.ly/3IHbe6E
