Upsurge In Fly-tipping Investigations

Fly-tipping – the illegal dumping of waste, whether it's an old mattress, a few bin bags or large amounts of industrial material – is a menace and a potential public health risk. 

It is also a serious criminal offence. 

The courts have various powers available to them including imprisonment, fines of up to £50,000 and orders to pay costs. They can also deprive rights to a vehicle used to commit the offence. 

Because of cuts to police force budgets investigations concerning fly-tipping are increasingly falling to local councils. In 2016/17 more than one million incidences were dealt with by councils in England, according to Keep Britain Tidy. 

Often, a person suspected of fly-tipping will be invited to an interview with investigators or perhaps asked to respond to an allegation in writing.