‘Waste cowboys’ targeted in new Government fly-tipping reforms

The UK Government has announced a crackdown on the increasing fly-tipping across the country, introducing new powers for councils to identify, seize and crush vehicles used by waste criminals.

Under the proposed measures, local authorities will work alongside policy to identify ‘cowboy waste operators’ using drone and mobile CCTV technology. This will target businesses or individuals that operate without the necessary licences and permits to dispose of waste, and resort to illegal practices like fly-tipping.

The Government is launching a review to remove regulatory barriers that currently prevent councils from efficiently seizing and crushing vehicles involved in fly-tipping. A key financial reform will shift the cost of storing vehicles from councils to the offenders themselves.

Penalties for waste crime will also increase, with offenders facing up to five years in prison for transporting and dealing with waste illegally. In addition, the Environment Agency (EA) will be granted additional powers to conduct identity and criminal record checks on waste operators.

Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steeve Reed, commented: “Waste criminals and fly-tippers who blight our towns and villages have gone unpunished for too long. That ends today.

“The Government is calling time on fly-tipping. I will not stand by while this avalanche of rubbish buries our communities.”

The EA will also receive more resources through permit funding to increase its enforcement capabilities, along with expanded powers to revoke permits, issue enforcement notices, and levy fines.

The announcement follows the release of statistics in February showing that fly-tipping in England increased by six per cent in 2023/24, with local authorities spending over £13 million in clearance fees for large-scale incidents.

Philip Duffy, Environment Agency Chief Executive, added: “At the Environment Agency, we’re determined to bring these criminals to justice through tough enforcement action and prosecutions. That’s why we support the Government’s crackdown on waste criminals, which will ensure we have the right powers to shut rogue operators out of the waste industry.”

Councils across London have already announced the implementation of increased fines of £1,000 for fly-tipping offences, as well as the expansion of environmental enforcement teams to enhance monitoring capabilities.

Fly-tipping crackdown receives industry support

The waste management industry has responded positively to the government’s announcement. Jacob Hayler, Executive Director of the Environmental Services Association (ESA), said: “The proposed reforms to the carriers, brokers, dealers and exemption regimes, coupled with strong and effective enforcement from the regulators, could go a long way to help tackle the scourge of waste crime, with increased scrutiny and accountability making it much harder for criminals to operate in our sector.”

Councillor Adam Hug, Environmental Spokesperson for the Local Government Association, emphasised the need for full cost recovery: “Making it easier for councils to use existing powers to seize vehicles involved in fly-tipping is helpful, provided they can recover the full cost of doing so from perpetrators.

“Councils are working tirelessly to counter thousands of fly-tipping incidents every year, including by prosecuting criminal gangs, but the burden of proof is high and fines often fail to match the severity of the offence committed.”

David Gudgeon, Head of External Affairs at Reconomy Brand, Reconomy Connect, highlighted the need to integrate these new reforms with broader waste management strategies: “This announcement reiterates the pressing need for the UK transition to a truly circular economy. Presently, only 7.2 per cent of materials make their way back into the economy which is unsustainable. Closing this circularity gap through higher recycling rates, greater reuse and better resource preservation is the most effective way to protect local environments, boost economic resilience and future-proof businesses.”

Public opinion calls for stronger waste management action

Recent polling from Nature 2030 has shown strong public sentiment regarding waste management, with 74 per cent of voters believing their council is not doing enough to tackle litter.

The study also found that 72 per cent of voters support legal action against councils that fail to clean up dumped rubbish.

Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, commented: “This research shows the public urgently want to see concrete action to boost recycling, while stamping out our reliance on unnecessary single-use plastics that pollute our natural landscapes and waterways.”

Dominic Dyer, Chair at Nature 2030, added: “These findings reveal overwhelming public demand for action on waste and pollution and the need for stronger public education to support long-term solutions such as the DRS.

“Voters want both councils and producers to be held accountable for tackling our litter crisis.”