Fly-tipping has increased by three per cent across the North West, according to the latest government statistics.

The new data revealed that in 2019/2020, despite the government giving councils greater powers to tackle fly-tipping and despite an increase in court fines related to fly-tipping cases across the country, there has still been a rise.

In 2018/2019 it was reported there had been 957,000 fly-tipping incidents across England. Sadly, figures increased during 2019/2020 to a total of 976,000. 

In the North West, an increase in fly-tipping cases from 112,069 to 115,192 was reported, with many fly-tips occurring on roads, highways and in rural areas. 

Head of policy at the Countryside Alliance, Sarah Lee, said: “For many people living in the countryside, these figures will be of no real surprise. Each incident of fly-tipping represents total disrespect towards the environment and nature. 

“But clearly this is a nationwide issue, hitting our towns and cities, as well as rural areas. 

“What’s even more concerning, is these figures show us an increase in fly-tipping year on year and yet we see enforcement actions going down. 

“It is simply not good enough to record this anti-social crime on a spreadsheet. 

“We have to show these criminals that it will not be tolerated with the courts handing out tougher penalties. 

“There can be no excuse for fly-tipping and anyone using waste collectors has a duty to ensure they are registered.”

Around 65 per cent of fly-tips across the country involved household waste, with the most common place for fly-tipping being on highways, pavements and roads.

The number of highway incidents increased from 396,000 in 2018/19 to 419,000 in 2019/20.

In contrast, data shows that local authorities carried out 474,000 enforcement actions in 2019/20, 26,000 fewer than in 2018/19, with the number of fixed penalty notices issued also decreasing.

However the number of court fines increased from 2,056 to 2,671 in 2019/20, with the value of total fines increasing to £1,170,000.

Waste removal experts HIPPO believes the high statistics stem largely from a long-term issue found in limited public awareness. 

Managing Director of HIPPO, Gareth Lloyd-Jones, said: “We believe there is a need to better educate people on the impact of fly-tipping, in order to encourage change in this concerning trend.

“It is not only damaging to the environment and local wildlife but also potentially dangerous to public health. 

“There needs to be a concerted nationwide effort to discourage this anti-social behaviour.”

The current figures do not include data from the lockdown. 

How you can help

Lancashire Telegraph:

There are many ways you can help reduce the amount of rubbish on our streets.
Earlier this year, The Lancashire Telegraph launched a new environmental campaign to make the borough cleaner and greener.

We have called for tougher penalties for the worst fly-tipping offenders and plans for green spaces and ‘pocket parks’ to progress. 

We also put a call out to all of our readers to play their part by joining a local group or starting your own rubbish-busting team.

Household waste recycling centres are open and it only takes a moment to book a slot to take your items. 

You can book online and dispose of your household rubbish easily.
If you wish to report fly-tipping then simply log on to your local council website and follow the instructions.