Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy has launched a national campaign calling for tougher action against waste crime after new research revealed that almost all councils are struggling with a rise in illegal dumping.
The charity’s survey of local authorities found that 98% say fly-tipping is a problem in their area, with nearly three quarters (70%) describing it as a “major problem.” More than half (56%) said incidents have increased in the past year, while 54% believe they may never get on top of the issue.
Keep Britain Tidy’s findings highlight the growing role of rogue waste operators, with two in five (40%) fly-tipping incidents now attributed to illegal “white van” traders rather than individuals — a sign that profit-driven waste crime is fuelling the rise.
Nationally, councils reported over 1.15 million fly-tipping incidents in 2023–24, costing taxpayers and landowners an estimated £100–150 million in clean-up and investigation costs. The charity warns that this diverts funding away from vital public services such as schools, parks and social care.
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.
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.
“To turn the tide, we need tougher penalties to deter offenders, a robust permitting system so rogue operators can’t hide in plain sight, and measures that make it easier for people to dispose of waste legally and responsibly.”
To address the issue, the organisation is calling for a coordinated national Fly-tipping Action Plan, including:
-
Smarter prevention, such as stricter waste carrier permits, easier identification of legitimate traders and increased responsibility on companies to collect and recycle commonly fly-tipped goods.
-
Tougher enforcement, with stronger penalties, higher fines, driving licence points and even the crushing of vehicles used by waste criminals.
The charity’s new ‘Fight Fly-tipping Fortnight’ campaign, running from 10–23 November, aims to raise public awareness and help householders avoid falling for a #RubbishDeal when hiring waste carriers.
Featuring real CCTV footage from local authorities, the campaign exposes rogue operators caught illegally dumping waste.