Illegal Waste Dumping in England Up by 6% Last Year
New figures from Defra reveal that fly-tipping incidents in England have increased by 6%, reaching 1.15 million cases in 2023/24. This marks a rise from the 1.08 million incidents recorded in 2022/23.
Household Waste: The Biggest Contributor
The data shows that household waste accounted for 60% of all reported fly-tipping cases. In 2023/24, 688,000 incidents of illegally dumped household waste were recorded, up 5% from 654,000 in the previous year.
Large-Scale Fly-Tipping on the Rise
Incidents involving “tipper lorry load” sized waste or larger also saw a notable increase. A total of 47,000 cases were recorded in 2023/24—an 11% rise from 42,000 in 2022/23.
- These large-scale waste dumps made up 4% of all fly-tipping incidents.
- Clearing them cost local councils £13.1 million over the past year.
Fly-Tipping Enforcement: Fewer Fines, Higher Costs
Despite the increase in incidents, enforcement figures show a drop in the number of court fines:
- Total fines issued fell by 8%, from 1,491 in 2022/23 to 1,378 in 2023/24.
- The combined value of these fines also decreased, from £785,000 to £730,000 (a 7% drop).
However, the average fine per offence increased slightly, from £526 to £530.
A Growing Challenge
Fly-tipping continues to be a pressing issue in England, with over a million reported incidents each year. Not only does it pose a serious environmental threat, but it also places a significant financial burden on local councils, costing taxpayers millions. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, those caught illegally dumping waste can face unlimited fines and up to five years in prison. Additionally, the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 empowers local authorities to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) of up to £1,000 for fly-tipping offences.
With household waste being the most frequently dumped material, businesses also need to ensure they comply with Duty of Care Regulations when disposing of their waste. Companies that fail to manage their waste responsibly can face substantial fines and legal action.
At Affordable Waste Management, we help businesses across the UK stay compliant while managing their commercial waste efficiently. With a network of over 200 contractors nationwide, we offer reliable waste collection, excellent customer service, and cost-effective solutions starting from just £1.14 per day. Let us take the hassle out of waste disposal – get in touch today for a tailored solution.