Fly-tipping is increasingly affecting play parks, country lanes, and housing estates across South Gloucestershire, with councillors urging the government to change the law to better address the issue. Illegal dumping of rubbish not only harms the environment but also poses public health risks and places a financial burden on taxpayers tasked with cleanup.
Last year, offenders caught fly-tipping in South Gloucestershire were fined nearly £50,000. However, this money is paid to the central government rather than being reinvested locally to combat the problem. Councillors want legislation changed so that the revenue from fines stays within the district and is used to strengthen enforcement efforts.
Despite South Gloucestershire’s fly-tipping incidents being below the national average, the number of cases has surged by 72% over the past decade. This alarming trend was addressed during a full council meeting on July 16, where members pledged to intensify their fight against fly-tipping and write to the government demanding reforms.
READ MORE: Calls for 30mph Zone on ‘Racing Track’ Road Near M5 to Curb Speeding and Noise Disturbance
READ MORE: Gloucester Rhythm & Blues Festival Set to Electrify the City This Weekend
Conservative Councillor Matthew Riddle highlighted the growing scale of fly-tipping in areas like Severn Vale, noting more frequent occurrences involving large amounts of waste dumped alongside roads. “We’re seeing work lorries dumping household and builder’s waste right on country lanes, creating major safety hazards, especially at night,” he explained.
South Gloucestershire Council is among the best performers nationally in prosecuting fly-tippers, successfully taking 16 offenders to court last year, with more prosecutions planned. Yet, the fines collected are directed to the government, weakening local enforcement incentives and resources.
Government data reveals 2,171 fly-tipping incidents in South Gloucestershire in 2023–24—up from 1,258 a decade ago. However, with only 18 prosecutions and 15 fixed penalty notices issued the same year, most incidents remain unresolved and unpunished.
Certain neighborhoods, including Charlton and Cribbs Causeway—areas dominated by new-build housing estates—suffer frequent fly-tipping. Conservative Councillor Jo Buddharaju reports near-monthly incidents, with rubbish often dumped even in children’s play parks.
Council efforts go beyond prosecution, offering support to residents who struggle with waste disposal. For example, in Emersons Green, an overflowing park bin was linked to an elderly resident unable to manage their waste collection. Thanks to the council’s assisted collection scheme, the resident now receives help putting out bins, improving waste management and reducing illegal dumping.
A recent case saw a repeat offender receive a 54-week prison sentence, underscoring the serious consequences of fly-tipping. Councillors also warn residents to be cautious when using private waste removal companies, as some have been linked to illegal dumping, with discarded items sometimes exposing the original owners.
Labour Councillor Ian Boulton praised the council’s innovative investigative work, recognizing staff’s dedication in tracing and prosecuting offenders despite challenges.
Residents can report fly-tipping via the South Gloucestershire Council website. The council aims to remove dumped rubbish within three working days. Those caught fly-tipping face unlimited fines and up to five years in prison.