Council leaders defending the controversial introduction of booking slots at Norfolk's tips have insisted it will not spark more fly-tipping.
People will need to book slots to take waste to the county's 19 recycling centres from November, with Norfolk County Council making the change to manage use of its tips and to save money.
But critics claim that when coupled with the council's decision to shut recycling centres on Wednesdays - which would save £400,000 a year - a fly-tipping surge will follow.
However, James Bensly, the Conservative-controlled cabinet's cabinet member for environment and waste, said the majority of fly-tipping was done by organised criminals - including drug dealers.
Mr Bensly responded to comments from Liberal Democrat county councillor Steve Riley at a recent meeting of County Hall's cabinet.
Mr Riley said: "Not only is this decision unpopular with many people, but it is also yet another restriction on when and how they can dispose of waste and could lead to an increase in fly-tipping around the county."
READ MORE: Norfolk: Scale of fly-tipping in county is revealed
Mr Bensly said: "Introducing a booking system for visits to Norfolk Recycling Centres will reduce congestion, help manage waiting times and improve the customer experience.
"Booking systems are widely used across the country, including by our neighbours in Suffolk, and have proved popular with customers.
"Studies have repeatedly shown no link between fly-tipping and recycling centre practices.
"Most fly-tipped waste comes from large van or lorry loads and there are links between some fly-tipping activity and other organised crime activity such as drugs trafficking.
"We must recognise that the people to blame for fly tipping are the criminals who do it and must continue to encourage districts to lobby for for tougher penalties for those caught fly-tipping."
READ MORE: WTF! South Norfolk and Broadland launch fly-tipping scheme
People who are caught fly-tipping face a fixed penalty notice of up to £400 or an unlimited fine.
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