The innovative scheme will see Derbyshire County Council link up with the Environment Agency to use the latest forensics techniques including finger-printing and collecting DNA samples from rubbish.

Evidence gained will then be used to pursue a court prosecution to help slash the 17,500 incidents reported across the county during the 2006/07 financial year.

Said Coun Brian Lucas, the county council's cabinet member for environmental services: "Derbyshire is a great place to live and work, but fly-tipping is a nuisance.

"It looks a mess, it is dangerous and it is against the law. It costs the taxpayer money to clean up.

"You can help us put a stop to it. If you spot fly-tipping or see someone doing it, let us know so that we can remove it and investigate."

Environment Agency project manager Paul Slater told Chad reducing fly-tipping was something for the whole community to tackle.

"Fly-tipping is often an organised crime with fly-tippers making large amounts of money from polluting our environment," he said. "Everyone has a responsibility to make sure their rubbish is dealt with legally and responsibly.

"The best way to do this is to use someone who is registered as a waste carrier or to contact your local district and borough council, otherwise it may end up costing you a lot more than you bargained for."

• To report fly-tipping or for further information contact Derbyshire County Council on 08456 058 058.