How are local authorities tackling the issue of fly-tipping?

Earlier this year, The Telegraph reported that the issue of fly-tipping had reached 'crisis levels' in the UK, mainly as a result of cuts to rubbish collection services. 

Government cuts have left local councils financially stretched, encouraging councils to reduce the cost of their services where possible. In a bid to save money and increase recycling rates, councils have pushed ahead with cuts to waste collection services, while charging for the collection of larger, bulky items, such as white goods. However, these cuts to vital services are contributing to a growing problem: fly-tipping. 

According to data from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published in The Telegraph, cases of fly-tipping in England increased by 50% in 2016 alone, while 936,090 cases were recorded in 2015/16.    

Fly-tipping, or the illegal dumping of waste, is not only blighting rural and urban areas across the country but it is costing local authorities a fortune to clear up. This defeats the object of cutting waste collection services to save money in the first place.  

The issue of illegal dumping not only constitutes a potential health and environmental hazard, but also negatively impacts the role played by law-abiding waste disposal businesses. 

What are local authorities doing to tackle this epidemic? 

Fly-tipping is illegal and an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Local authorities have the power to impose fines and penalties on fly-tippers if they are caught. The number of fly-tippers who are caught is low, but councils are encouraging local residents to report fly-tipping themselves if they see it happening. Fly-tippers who are caught can be hit with an unlimited fine, have to carry out unpaid community service, or may even be handed a prison sentence.

How you can prevent your waste from being fly-tipped

For bulky waste items, or for any garden waste you need to dispose of, contact your local council. The council should have a dedicated waste collection service, and they will charge you for collection accordingly.

If you are having construction work done, or you're a builder who needs waste removed, contact a registered waste carrier. To check the waste carrier is a legitimate business, ask to see a valid waste carrier's license. You can check the company's waste carrier license number with the  

Environment Agency. It must be still valid, and if it is not, go with another company. Remember: residents have a duty to make sure their rubbish is disposed of legally and responsibly, and not fly-tipped.  

As a registered skip hire company offering responsible waste management services, we can help out should you require skip hire. Get in touch with us today for more information. 

If you are based in north London and are planning a construction project, you will be pleased to know that we offer local skip hire in Wembley, Barnet, Stratford, Harrow, Enfield and beyond.