There aren’t many things as uniquely distasteful as rubbish that’s been dumped without thought or care. Whether it’s a pile of litter congealing on the streetside, binbags being flung into a grassy woodland, or dilapidated furniture tipped into a local lake, fly tipping makes for an ugly sight amongst our communities and countryside.
Acting not only as an eyesore, dumped rubbish also damages the local ecosystem and wildlife, and creates a pungent stink that lingers across neighbourhoods. This ultimately has a detrimental effect on the area, reducing house prices and even harming resident’s mental health. For these reasons, it’s imperative for such incidents to be prevented at all costs, and dealt with quickly when it does occur.
Here at Vanguard, we have long been dedicated to improving the appearance and hygiene of a variety of sites. Groundskeeping and maintenance are part of our offerings, and we take great care to remove any nasty eyesores and take care of overflowing rubbish. In this way, only by ensuring a pristine and presentable premises can your success and prestige be maintained for the future.
In Vanguard’s latest study, we’ll take a look at the extent of fly tipping across England. We’ll break down figures of fly tipping by area and location, and provide some insight into what actions are being taken and the overall trend of fly tipping in the country.
Fly tipping is rife across England and Wales, with annual counts reaching over six figures to 1,082,673 incidents in the last year. That breaks down to a rate of 1.7 fly tippings for every 100 citizens, a startling figure that illustrates just how common these incidents are.
Unsurprisingly, the largest chunk of fly tipping instances are centred around the larger population centres, with London itself being responsible for a whopping 39% of the country’s figures. Most other areas punch in significantly lower, ranging from the North West with 12.2% of England’s fly tipping instances, to the South West with 4.6% of the overall count.
In results that may surprise some, regions with major urban centres such as Birmingham in the West Midlands, and Leeds in Yorkshire, both came toward the lower end of the list, with only 7.2% and 6.8% of the country’s fly tipping incidents respectively. The reasons behind this are complex, but could indicate less favourable conditions for those would take part in illegal dumping.
Interestingly, the total land area each region contained seemed to make little difference to their fly tipping figures, with some of the largest regions like the South West ranking low, while smaller and midweight regions such as the North West reported higher figures. Again, the reasons behind this are complex, but the breakdown of land types in each region could play a major role. Residents may be less inclined to dump rubbish in natural parks, for instance, and may feel more comfortable fly tipping in industrial areas or urban centres.
Nevertheless, let’s now dive into the regions themselves and take a look at fly tipping in more detail.
Across England, we’re listing the three worst areas for fly tipping in each region, and providing some unique detail about the actions taken and evolving trends.
Home to football mainstay Wembley Stadium, and hundreds of thousands of citizens living across a diverse array of neighbourhoods, the borough of Brent is one of London’s most esteemed. Unfortunately, fly tipping and illegal dumping has become commonplace, with a whopping 34,830 counts every year. The local authorities are fighting hard to combat this, however, with a 3% decrease over recent years and 2220 fixed penalty notices and 33 prosecutions being handed out to offenders.
As one of the iconic centres of London, Camden’s mix of world-famous attractions, live music, distinguished fashion, and thriving cultures makes the borough one to be remembered. Marring that reputation, however, is the prevalence of fly tipping, with 31,457 incidents in the last year. While that does constitute a 3% drop since the previous year, very little action has been taken to tackle this, with only 462 fixed penalty notices and 0 prosecutions.
From the lively West End to the distinguished Houses of Parliament and the towering Big Ben, Westminster is a bustling hub of activity all throughout the year. An unfortunate byproduct of this is the greater volume of rubbish being dumped, with 30,737 instances per annum. That is up by a shocking 64% since the last year, although it’s worth noting that 2694 fixed penalty notices and 3 prosecutions have resulted from these developments.
A bulwark of culture and commerce across the North West, Liverpool has often found itself at odds with its chief rival, the neighbouring city of Manchester. In this question, Liverpool unquestionably comes off worse, with 23,404 instances of fly tipping in the last year alone. That signifies a 23% increase in illegal dumping from previous years, which is largely going unchecked with only 24 fixed penalty notices compared to the thousands of offences committed.
Known to many as the ‘capital of the North’, Manchester has only seen its popularity endure, with industry, services, and nightlife all evolving into the city we know today. That’s also come with significant problems in illegal dumping, however, reporting 13,658 incidents of fly tipping in the last year. Unlike its neighbour, Manchester’s authorities are more robust at dealing with such problems, issuing over 1300 fixed penalty notices and over 200 prosecutions, all helping contribute to a year-on-year decrease of 3%.
Despite Bolton’s famed popularity and prevalence in the North West, the town has historically struggled with many different societal issues, including crime and illegal dumping. In the last year, Bolton has witnessed 5,883 instances of fly tipping, a figure that has risen enormously by 397% since previous periods. There has been comparatively little action taken by local authorities, with only 86 fixed penalty notices and 29 prosecutions issued to perpetrators.
One of the port cities that dot the southern coastline, Southampton boasts a strong naval heritage that runs from the departure of historical vessels like the Mayflower and the RMS Titanic to the cruise liners that operate out of the city today. In any event, fly tipping across the region rests at 9,486 incidents each year, a slight decrease of 5% from previous periods. Actions taken by the local authorities are rather lacking, with 45 fixed penalty notices and 2 prosecutions doing little to deter perpetrators.
Encompassing a large area around the Surrey Hills, these two towns lie on the southern reaches of the capital, and therefore might provide the ideal dumping spot for those in the nearby urban environs. That is reflected in the area’s fly tipping figures, with 7,887 instances of illegal dumping, a 6% rise from previous reporting. Once again, there are a lack of consequences for fly tippers, with no prosecutions and only 41 fixed penalty notices being issued to offenders.
A district just to the east of London, Medway shares its name with the winding river that flows its way through the settlements of Rochester, Chatham, and Gillingham. This urban area, combined with the peninsula to the north, reported 4,664 instances of fly tipping in the last year. That resembles a 2% rise from the previous annum, and with only 52 fixed penalty notices and 7 prosecutions resulting from this, the problems with illegal dumping seem set to continue their upward trend.
Earning an esteemed spot in folklore and legend for the area’s tales of Robin Hood and his merry men, Nottingham and the surrounding forest are well-recognised by many in the country. As such, it’s disheartening that illegal dumping is so prevalent across this area, with 21,298 total incidents of fly tipping. Especially concerning is the rapid rise in figures, with a worrying 57% increase from the previous year – curbed only by 1702 fixed penalty notices.
West Northamptonshire is one half of the wider county, and an area which encompasses the capital Northampton, surrounded by a broad stretch of rural greenery. It is perhaps this that contributes to the area’s increasing rates of fly tipping, with 16,700 total incidents across the district, amounting to a moderate 2% rise from recent years. Additionally, with only 255 fixed penalty notices and 39 prosecutions, the area might be seen to fail in discouraging further dumping.
An emerging hub for culture, sports, and business activities across the East Midlands, Leicester is establishing itself as one of the country’s fastest growing cities. Unfortunately, that distinguishment also comes with drawbacks, including an increase in fly tipping to 7,016 incidents a year. Despite this, it appears the frequency of illegal dumping is slowing, with a 16% decrease since previous years. That is likely, in part, a result of tighter action by local authorities, including 587 fixed penalty notices and 1 prosecution.
A cathedral city nestled firmly in the East, Peterborough is known far and wide for its robust distribution centres and regenerating local economy. Beyond the surface, this key settlement is plagued by soaring levels of fly tipping, with 9,943 incidents reported in the last year, which translates to an 11% rise from previous figures. In most cases, illegal dumping goes largely unpunished, with only 171 fixed penalty notices and 0 prosecutions arising from these fly tipping incidents.
As an otherwise isolated industrial town, Luton witnesses millions of travellers pass through their streets every year due to the close proximity of Luton Airport, which serves much of London. This may contribute to Luton’s reported 9,405 instances of fly tipping from 2022 to 2023, coming in just below Peterborough, with a broad 50% hike from earlier numbers. Of these incidents, only 220 resulted in action being taken, with 216 fixed penalty notices, and 4 prosecutions reported in total.
As one of East England’s greatest and most populous settlements, Norwich offers a vast selection of cultural and natural diversions, as well as over two millennia of history. It also suffers from a startling rate of fly tipping, however, with 5,297 instances recorded in the last year. Also of concern is the 10% rise the area has recently seen, but most worrying of all is undoubtedly the lack of action taken against illegal dumping, with just one fixed penalty notice issued and no prosecutions.
Known widely as a sister city to Leeds and Huddersfield, Bradford has seen much development since the deindustrialisation of Northern England, growing to become one of the largest economies and population hubs in Yorkshire. That has not stopped fly tipping from exploding in the area, though, with 15,402 incidents recorded last year. While that may have taken a 5% downturn recently, local authorities are restrained with handing out penalties, with only 86 fixed penalty notices and 3 prosecutions issued.
As Yorkshire’s chief city, the draws of Leeds are undisputable – with artistic, cultural, commercial, industrial, and technological contributions all making their mark on the region. Illegal dumping has also left a not so savoury imprint on the city, with 11,668 total incidents last year. Those figures have fallen by 15% since the previous year, with 305 fixed penalty notices and 8 prosecutions being the only punishments handed down to illegal dumpers.
Another urban giant in Yorkshire and The Humber, Sheffield lies in the shade of the Peak District, and boasts a strong industrial and sporting heritage. Regardless, the city suffers from a problematic spate of fly tipping, with 11,387 instances every year, just down by 8% from past periods. That has resulted in 201 penalty fixed notices and 6 prosecutions, serving as the only deterrence for those looking to engage in fly tipping.
Second only to London in terms of population and size, Birmingham sees its fair share of visitors and residents alike, who are drawn to the plethora of attractions contained within. Unfortunately, this has also brought a greater amount of illegal dumping to the city, with 15,807 incidents reported in the last year. More promising news is that fly tipping has fallen dramatically by 32% in the recent year, with 278 fixed penalty notices and 14 prosecutions no doubt catalysing that rapid improvement.
Much like Birmingham, Sandwell is a highly metropolitan district and part of the greater built-up area that constitutes the county of West Midlands. In a similar vein then, Sandwell is also struggling with illegal dumping, with 11,855 counts recorded across the district, a 3% hike from previous figures. As for actions taken, Sandwell has handed down almost no penalties, with just 28 fixed penalty notices and no prosecutions, which does little to prevent further increases.
One of the region’s most well-known and historic cities, Coventry is among the longest-standing large settlements in the country, but it’s the city’s modern trappings that bring in the crowds. Either way, the city that once survived the blitz is presently struggling with fly tipping, reporting 6,840 instances each year, a decline of 19% from previous years. Actions taken by local authorities include 186 fixed penalty notices, although notably 0 prosecutions.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the famous city of the north, home of the Geordie accent and nightlife as vibrant as the river’s bridges are tall, is iconic in almost every measure. Unfortunately, the city faces serious issues with fly tipping, suffering from 21,298 instances in total, a slight decline of 19% from the previous year. The moderate actions taken against offenders only encompass 178 fixed penalty notices and 100 prosecutions, which will likely do little to discourage further illegal dumping.
Stretching out from either side of the River Wear, Sunderland is one of the North East’s main cities, boasting a diverse industrial portfolio of fish and salt to shipbuilding and glassmaking. Despite this, the city has attracted an unfortunate amount of dumped rubbish, with an 8% increase amounting to 10,497 incidents recorded in the last year. As for action taken by local authorities, only 89 fixed notice penalties have been handed down, while 21 prosecutions have been brought against offenders.
An area situated close to the Tees Valley, the nearby beaches of Redcar and Cleveland stretch along the coastline all the way to Saltburn. While this area may be located in North Yorkshire, it has always been typically classed as part of the North East. Either way, Redcar and Cleveland are being dragged down by fly tipping, with 6,945 individual counts, constituting a 19% decrease from previous years. Zero prosecutions have resulted from these incidents, while only 123 fixed penalty notices have been issued.
A veritable titan of South West industry and culture, Bristol is one of the region’s most populous areas and has undeniable appeal to its many residents and visitors. Sadly, this may be overshadowed by the city’s battle with fly tipping, with 10,181 illegal dumping incidents dampening that seaside appeal. Remaining largely unchanged with a 1% decline, local authorities have issued 332 fixed penalty notices and 2 prosecutions in response to the prevalence of illegal dumping.
Another of the major ports of the South West, Plymouth’s history extends back to the Bronze Age, where it acted as a trading post before developing more substantially into what we find today. In any case, the problem of illegal dumping remains persistent, with 5,092 incidents across the city, a decline of 19% since last year. That is likely not helped by dwindling numbers of actions being taken by the local authorities, with only 403 fixed penalty notices and 24 prosecutions recorded.
A picturesque county at the foot of Great Britain, Cornwall is one of the most serene and rural areas of the mainland. Even so, those golden beaches and sweeping fields have not stopped fly tipping from emerging more prevalent, with 2,770 incidents recorded in the last year. That is ultimately a decrease of 15% from previous years, although the very limited action taken by the local authorities (6 fixed penalty notices and 2 prosecutions) will not go far in bringing illegal dumping to a halt.
Vanguard is committed to a transparent research process, ensuring our readers can trust and rely on our data. As such, we can state that our statistics are retrieved from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), encompassing government statistics across year 22/23. Therefore, our data covers the fly tipping incidents during a full calendar year from April 2022 to March 2023, with additional data from year 21/22 to determine the percentage change of incidents in select areas.
Such data is not inclusive of Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, or any overseas territories, and therefore these areas are not taken into account in our study.
