Several London boroughs have raised their fly-tipping fines to £1,000 in an effort to combat the growing issue of illegal waste dumping. Previously set at £400, the higher fines are part of a broader crackdown, with some councils also increasing patrols by environment officers to deter offenders. Fly-tipping has surged in London, with the latest data from DEFRA showing a 6% increase in incidents from 2022 to 2023.

Fly-tipping is considered a criminal offense under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and costs councils millions to clear up. The increase in fines has been welcomed by campaigners, but they also stress that more needs to be done to tackle the issue. Around half of London’s councils, including Camden, Ealing, and Hammersmith, have implemented or plan to introduce the maximum fine.

Residents in areas affected by fly-tipping have expressed frustration, noting that it diminishes the appeal of their communities and attracts pests. Keep Britain Tidy has called for stronger enforcement, including harsher sentences, as current penalties are often seen as insufficient for deterring offenders.