Fly-tipping has become an increasingly visible and costly blight across the capital. From back alleys to high streets, illegally dumped waste is overwhelming borough resources, eroding community pride, and damaging the environment.

But what’s really driving the surge?

The Numbers Behind the Mess

In 2023–24, England recorded 1.15 million fly-tipping incidents, a 6% increase from the previous year. Over half a million of those occurred in London, making the capital a national hotspot. Household waste made up the majority—more than 60%—highlighting how deeply embedded this issue has become in residential areas.

Croydon, Camden, Hackney, and Newham were among the worst-affected boroughs, each logging over 30,000 incidents annually. In fact, 8 of the top 10 fly-tipping hotspots in the UK are London boroughs.

What's Causing the Spike?

Several structural and behavioural factors are fuelling this surge:

• Access and Affordability: Many boroughs have limited collection options for bulky waste—and when collection is available, it often comes with fees. This leads some residents to dispose of items improperly rather than wait or pay.

• Low Enforcement: Just 5% of incidents led to a fixed penalty notice last year. Even fewer result in prosecution. With enforcement so low, the deterrent simply isn’t there.

• Unlicensed Waste Carriers: A rise in “man and van” operators—many without proper licensing—means some rubbish is collected under the guise of legitimacy, only to be dumped elsewhere illegally to cut corners.

• Lack of Awareness: Many residents admit they don’t fully understand what constitutes fly-tipping—or that they’re legally responsible for ensuring their waste is handed to a licensed carrier.

The Impact Goes Beyond Just Rubbish

Fly-tipping isn't just an eyesore. It undermines public health, encourages vermin, increases fire risk, and adds to the pressure on public services already stretched thin. Councils across the UK spent over £83 million last year cleaning up dumped waste. That’s funding diverted from housing, schools, and essential services.

Building a More Responsible System

Reversing the trend requires more than just cleanup. It means tackling the root causes head-on:

• Clearer and more accessible disposal services

• Tougher penalties and better enforcement

• Greater public awareness campaigns

• Support for responsible, licensed waste companies

One example is CJ’s Waste, a fully licensed waste collection company operating across all London boroughs. Unlike unregulated hauliers, CJ’s Waste ensures materials are properly sorted and recycled—actively working to divert waste from landfill.

As a young, community-focused team, they’re committed to a cleaner London and to setting higher standards in waste collection. Their clients—residential and commercial—can trust that their waste is handled legally and sustainably.

If you’re looking to meet organisations who are part of the solution—not the problem—visit CJ’s Waste in person at The Recycling Expo, taking place 7–8 October at London ExCeL.

Discover how they’re helping to clean up London—and how your organisation can do the same.