Latest DEFRA fly-tipping statistics continue to make for grim reading but enforcement action is UP

Defra have today released their annual fly-tipping statistics, which continues to make for grim reading.

Despite a 3% decrease in the number of incidents recorded in the period between 2020/2021, there remained over one million (1.09 million) incidents of fly-tipping recorded between 2021/2022, the disturbing equivalent of 124 incidents of fly-tipping every hour.

Fly-tipping is the illegal deposit of waste on land contrary to Section 33(1)(a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The types of waste fly tipped range from 'black bag' waste to large deposits of materials such as industrial waste, tyres, construction material and liquid waste.

It is a significant blight on local environments; a source of pollution; a potential danger to public health and hazard to wildlife. It also undermines legitimate waste businesses where unscrupulous operators undercut those operating within the law. It reportedly affects over 67% of farmers and is estimated to cost them £47 million every year.

Fly-tipping reached a peak in 2020, with 1.14 million incidents being recorded, coinciding with the public being required to stay at home during covid pandemic lockdowns. Tips and refuge sites were largely closed during that time, which heightened the illegal dumping of waste, blighting cities and towns across the country, as well as the countryside.

The Countryside Alliance believe that there were also a larger number of people out and about taking exercise in rural areas, likely aiding the number of reports made to local authorities by the public.

One 'crumb of comfort' from the latest figures is the welcome news that Local Authorities have increased enforcement action and courts have been handing out more fines, with the total value of fines more than doubling from £330,000 in 2020/21 to £840,000 in 20221/22.

Local councils and the Environment Agency (EA) both have a responsibility in respect of illegally deposited waste. Local councils deal with most cases of fly tipping on public land, whilst the EA investigates and enforces against the larger, more serious and organised illegal waste crimes.

The most common size of fly-tip was a 'small van load', which accounted for 32% of incidents, followed by 'car boot or less' at 26%.

Defra said that in 2021-22, there were 37,000 incidents involving a 'tipper lorry load' size or larger and the cost of clearance to local authorities was £10.7m, compared with £11.6m in 2020-21.

Responding to the figures, Sarah Lee, Director of Policy and Campaigns at the Countryside Alliance said:

"These figures continue to show the shocking level of fly-tipping in this country and the impact that it has on our countryside, villages and towns is abhorrent. Fly-tippers, whether they are simply disposing of unwanted household waste or are part of an organised gang are spreading misery, blighting our landscape and harming wildlife. It is good to see enforcement up and Local Authorities responding to the problem, and courts handing out fines. We all have our part to play and we urge the public to dispose of their waste legally and report any incidents of fly-tipping they encounter when out and about. Please do not assume someone else has taken that action and walk on by. Let's stamp out this scar on our landscape."

What to do if it happens to you...

The National Fly-tipping Prevention Group recommends the following steps if you find waste dumped on your land

Exercise caution. Some fly-tipped waste can be hazardous. Do not open bags or drums and be aware that piles of soil may be contaminated or hide dangerous material.

Record as many details as possible about the waste and when you found it. If possible take a photograph of the waste.

Report the incident – do not move the waste or remove any evidence from it until the authorities have been notified.

Secure the waste so that it cannot be interfered with or added to.

Remember that fly-tippers are doing something illegal – they are unlikely to welcome people observing them. Do not put yourself at risk – if fly-tipping is in progress, call 999.

When arranging for disposal, ensure that you use a registered waste carrier, as if it is dumped elsewhere you could be held responsible and face an unlimited fine.

Ensure that you get documentation which includes the details of the waste and who is taking it away.

If you take the waste to a licensed waste site yourself, make sure you are registered as a waste carrier.

If the waste is hazardous then make sure that it is being carried and disposed of by those licensed to deal with hazardous waste.

Keep full details of your clearance and disposal costs. Successful prosecution can mean that your costs incurred for the removal of the waste can also be recovered.