Haringey issues over £1.3 million in fly-tipping and littering fines
At least 17 boroughs are increasing fines to £1,000 following the rise of illegal waste dumping in London.
Haringey Council has issued fines totalling £1,393,350 for fly-tipping and littering offences over the last year, following calls from residents for tougher action against environmental crime in the borough.
The council has handed out 2,554 fines since April 2024 and has recently announced that it will bolster its environmental enforcement team with 15 additional officers to further intensify efforts to combat illegal waste disposal.
Cllr Seema Chandwani, Cabinet Member for Tackling Inequality and Resident Services in Haringey Council, commented: “Waste dumping and littering remain significant concerns in our borough, as voiced by our community, and we are committed to doing everything we can to put an end to this.”
London-wide crackdown on fly-tipping
Haringey’s intensified enforcement approach comes as part of a broader London-wide initiative to tackle fly-tipping. According to recent statistics from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), London has the highest average number of ‘fly-tipping incidents’ in England - a rate that increased in 2024.
Across England, local authorities dealt with 1.15 million fly-tipping incidents in 2023/24, representing a six per cent increase from 2022/23.
In response to these trends, at least 17 London boroughs have either implemented or are in the process of implementing increased fines of £1,000 for fly-tipping offences, a significant rise from the previous £400 penalty.
More boroughs are also expanding their environmental enforcement teams to enhance monitoring and response capabilities.
Strong public support for enforcement measures
Haringey’s enforcement strategy is underpinned by public support, according to a recent survey conducted by the council.
The results showed overwhelming backing for stricter measures to tackle environmental offenses, with 96 per cent of residents expressing support for imposing fines on fly-tippers. A further 94 per cent backed penalties for littering and dog fouling.
The survey also found that 83 per cent of local businesses and community organisations would support the use of fines to combat illegal waste dumping.
Cllr Chandwani added: “The message from these figures is clear. Our residents and businesses demanded stronger measures, and we have delivered.
“Together, we all aspire to live, work and play in a clean and green borough that instils us with pride. Keeping Haringey clean is a shared responsibility, and everyone must do their part. Those who refuse to contribute and instead damage our beautiful spaces will be held accountable.”
