The Environment Committee met on Wednesday 15 July 2026 to discuss London's fly-tipping problem. The committee heard from experts about the causes and impacts of fly-tipping, and discussed potential interventions and the role of various authorities in tackling the issue.

London's Fly-Tipping Problem

The committee heard that fly-tipping incidents in London have increased, with 481,088 incidents recorded in 2024/25, an 8 per cent rise from the previous year. While most incidents involve household waste on roads and footpaths, larger-scale illegal dumping also poses a significant threat. Experts suggested that the increase in reported incidents may be due to better reporting mechanisms and increased public awareness, rather than solely an increase in the act of fly-tipping itself.

Several factors were identified as contributing to fly-tipping, including the avoidance of disposal costs, particularly for commercial waste and hazardous materials, which are expensive to dispose of legally. The perception of low risk and weak penalties for offenders was also highlighted as a significant issue. Deprivation and socioeconomic factors were discussed as interconnected with fly-tipping, leading to issues such as a lack of resources for bulky waste collections or access to transport for waste disposal. Urban infrastructure, such as high-density housing and tightly packed streets, can also exacerbate the problem.

The environmental impacts of fly-tipping are considerable, including soil contamination, pollution of waterways, harm to wildlife, and potential air quality issues from burning waste. The visual blight also negatively impacts civic pride and community well-being.

A range of interventions were discussed to tackle fly-tipping, including making legal disposal easier and more accessible, such as through community skip programs and free bulky waste collections. The importance of consistent enforcement throughout the year, rather than being concentrated around election periods, was stressed. Behaviour change initiatives, such as using crime scene tape on fly-tipped waste to create immediate accountability and awareness, and social impact stencils, were highlighted as effective. CCTV was seen as a useful deterrent, but not a sole solution, requiring enforcement follow-up.

The role of organised crime in large-scale illegal dumping was acknowledged, with estimates suggesting over 35% of illegal dumping at scale is caused by serious criminal gangs. The complexity of these operations, including the use of shadow companies and sophisticated land management practices, makes them difficult to tackle.

The Environment Agency highlighted that while they have no resources to remediate fly-tipped sites themselves, they can facilitate removal under direction from DEFRA. They stressed the need for significant punitive action against offenders, with custodial sentences that reflect the profits made. The lack of coordination between boroughs and other authorities was also identified as a barrier, with a call for better intelligence sharing and a shared database.

The committee heard that while the Environment Agency has a £45 million funding boost, its effective use for enforcement and tackling organised crime is crucial. The importance of prevention, alongside enforcement, was emphasised, with a focus on educating the public about their duty of care when disposing of waste.

The meeting concluded with a note of the report and discussion, and the delegation of authority to the Chair to agree any output arising from the discussion. The committee also noted its work programme and a recent site visit to a West London Regional Park. The next meeting was scheduled for 3 September 2026.