The hotline is backed up by a flytipping 'detective'

Durham County Council says illegal dumping of waste and rubbish at roadsides and on country lanes costs about �250,000 a year to clear up.

It is part of a series of measures to crack down on the problem and will be backed up by a flytipping "detective" who will try to trace offenders.

The hotline is organised by the county council, Environment Agency and five district councils.

Councillor Brian Myers, cabinet member for waste management, said: "Illegal flytipping at roadsides and quiet country lanes costs the county council - and the council taxpayer - around �250,000 a year to clear up and dispose of the mess.

Permit scheme

"Now people can call the hotline number if they see someone flytipping in the county.

"If possible, they should make a note of the time, date, place, the registration number of any vehicle being used and a description of the people involved which will help us track them down."

Last month, the county council started a permit scheme to tackle the problem of trade and commercial waste being dumped at household recycling centres.

It said up to 15% of waste taken to household waste centres was trade and commercial waste, mostly soil and rubble, and therefore illegal.

The authority said if it is left unchecked, it could cost it �1m in extra waste management costs this year.