Press Release
For immediate release

CIWM Responds to Fly-Tipping Statistics for 2023-24

The latest fly-tipping stats for England, issued today, show that local authorities had to deal with over 1.15 million incidents of illegally dumped waste in 2023/24, which is a concerning increase of 6% from last year.  

Each of these incidents causes distress and disruption for local communities and directly damages local environments and economies.

60% of fly-tipping involves household waste, with the majority consisting of a small van load or less.  There were 47,000 incidents (4%) involving a tipper lorry load or more, up 11% year on year and costing taxpayers £13 million to clear up.

Enforcement action was taken only on around 50% of incidents, with 63,000 fixed penalty notices issued and only 1,378 court fines imposed (at an average of £530). This highlights a serious issue of widespread disregard for the rules, whether through carelessness, ignorance, or deliberate lawbreaking.

Fly-tipping is waste crime and we applaud the local authorities and their partners that are taking concerted action.  Effective enforcement needs greater resourcing, including for improved information and awareness, and a coordinated effort by relevant agencies to reduce and minimise the risk of further escalation.

CIWM will continue to work with partners to provide training and share best practice in maintaining high standards and responsible waste management, and to highlight how we can all play a part by being vigilant against the scourge of the fly-tippers and the environmental, social and economic damage they cause.

ENDS


Notes to Editors

Press contact:

Kacie Foskett
T: +44 (0) 1604 620426
E: kacie.foskett@ciwm.co.uk