Dumping rubbish in the countryside is a no-go to most of us, but new government figures show that fly-tipping is at a 14-year high with over 1.1 million incidents on council land alone in 2023-24.
The government’s figures only include incidents recorded by local authorities and exclude the large-scale incidents dealt with by the Environment Agency and most that occur on private land. These have a particular impact on farmers, rural property owners and landowners who become responsible for clearing up waste dumped on their land.
This growing problem was recorded by respondents to the latest NFU Rural Crime Survey who reported more incidents of fly-tipping than of any other crime in the countryside. The issue will just not go away despite successive governments promising crackdowns and legislating. After campaigning by the Countryside Alliance fines that can be issued for littering and fly tipping under fixed penalty notices (FPNs) were increased in 2023, but worryingly the number of prosecutions and FPNs is now falling as the number of fly-tipping incidents rises.
Littering is rife as anyone who checks the verges as they drive around the countryside at this time of year can see. The casual dropping of litter surely legitimises more extensive dumping of rubbish. In part this may be driven by the costs and complications (some of them unnecessary) of using council recycling sites. It is the increasing cost of disposing of domestic and especially commercial waste which has led to organised criminal gangs becoming involved in fly-tipping, in some cases on an industrial scale.
No comfort for rural communities can be found in the statistical breakdown. Behind highways (pavements and roads), where fly-tipping incidents marginally fell, the second commonest dumping spot is the footpaths and bridleways most commonly found in the countryside. The countryside is an easy target for dumping rubbish given the sheer expanse of rural areas that are non residential, yet reasonably easy to access. The lack of CCTV and police patrols mean such occurrences go without evidence as to whom or when rubbish is dumped, and in many cases this can affect access to businesses, riding trails and farmland, as well as causing hazards and unnecessary costs to those who end up removing the waste.
Land owners can take several steps to try and reduce the likelihood of falling victim to fly tippers on their land:
- Install Security Measures such as CCTV, lighting, fencing and gates especially around land that is not actively used, to prevent access to fly-tippers.
- Use Signage: Post clear signs that state it is illegal to dump waste on your land, making people aware of the consequences. This can help act as a deterrent. You can also indicate that CCTV is in use or that fines will be issued can discourage illegal dumping.
- Report Fly-Tipping Immediately by contacting the local authorities such as your local coouncil or the Environment Agency. Document the evidence by taking photos and collect any evidence such as vehicle details or waste types, which can assist in investigations.
- Utilise Land Management Practices by keeping fields and unused spaces well-maintained and actively used to reduce the chance of attracting fly-tippers, as well as regularly checking gates and fencing.
- Work with Neighbours to share information. Cooperate with neighbouring landowners to monitor the area and share information on any suspicious activity.
By taking these proactive measures, farm owners can better protect their land from the environmental and financial burden of fly-tipping, and work towards reducing this problem within their communities.
Read more on the report by the NFU here