Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy is calling for urgent national action to tackle a surge in fly-tipping, as new research shows the vast majority of councils see the issue as a growing problem.
According to the findings, 98% of local authorities say fly-tipping is a problem in their area, with 70% describing it as a ‘major problem’. Over half (56%) report incidents have increased in the past year, and 40% of cases now involve rogue ‘white van’ waste operators.
Fly-tipping cost councils and landowners an estimated £100–150m in 2023–24, diverting vital resources from frontline services.
Launching its new ‘Fight Fly-tipping Fortnight’ campaign, Keep Britain Tidy is urging tougher enforcement, stronger penalties, and clearer licensing to shut down illegal waste traders. It also calls for public education and take-back schemes for bulky items to help stop waste crime at source.
Dr. Anna Scott, Director of Services at Keep Britain Tidy, said: ‘Fly-tipping is not a victimless crime nor is it petty offending, it is organised crime that undermines responsible businesses, damages our environment and erodes public trust.’
Speaking to LocalGov, Dr Anna Scott urges councils to unite against waste crime.
