Council reduces fly-tipping in Bexley with tough crackdown

Fly tipping Crackdown and illegal waste carrier van

New government figures show that in 2024 to 2025 the number of fly-tipping instances in Bexley reduced by 12% year on year, thanks to a Council crackdown.

The figures released by the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) demonstrate that our tough approach to fly-tipping is having a real impact.

Tougher actions taken over the past year include more joint police operations to identify unlicensed vehicles and individuals, the introduction of higher fines and penalties, the increased use of cameras and more patrols in problem areas and new signage placed at hotspots, making it easier for residents to report fly-tipping incidents.

The Council recently removed 110 tonnes of fly-tipped waste from Wallhouse Road in Erith, illegally dumped by unlicensed waste removal companies. The installation of new cameras and the introduction of other enforcement measures at this hotspot since then have significantly reduced this type of illegal activity in that area.

Councillor Richard Diment, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said:

We do not tolerate any form of fly tipping in this borough and those caught dumping waste can expect to be prosecuted and fined. These figures show that the tough action we are taking is working.   Along with all our tough action we also need local people to work with us and to ensure that if they are hiring someone to remove their rubbish that they are a registered waste carrier."

Last year, more than 241 fixed penalty notices of either £200, £500 or £1000 were issued to residential properties, individuals or businesses in Bexley who illegally fly-tipped their rubbish.

If you are hiring someone to remove your rubbish, you must always make sure you use a registered waste carrier, or you could be fined. Information about licensed waste carriers can be obtained from the Environment Agency's website.

It is quick and easy to report fly-tipping to the Council via Bexley Fix My Street. Please make sure you take a note of as many details as possible, including the vehicle registration, type of vehicle and any company names/logos, time of offence and description and number of people involved.