Tackling fly tipping – the mess we didn’t make

So many are directly impacted by it, whether it’s poaching that damages crops or the theft of essential farming equipment, but one of the lesser-discussed issues, fly-tipping, is leaving a long-lasting scar on our rural landscapes.

Defra is about to release its fly-tipping figures for last year, but it’s important to remember that these numbers don’t tell the full story.

The fly tipping statistics only cover waste dumped on public land that has been reported to the authorities, waste on farmland or privately owned land is not accounted for. That means farmers and landowners are left to deal with the clean-up themselves, shouldering the cost and responsibility of removal.

In the Midlands and across the country, farmers continue to bear the brunt of fly-tipping. Thankfully, there has been some progress with the creation of the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU), and the appointment of a National Rural Fly-Tipping Co-ordinator. These are steps in the right direction.

The scrapping of DIY waste disposal charges at local authorities and the increase in Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for fly-tipping from £400 to £1,000 have made a noticeable impact on reducing incidents.

Still, the penalties for fly-tipping can be severe. In theory, the maximum fine is an unlimited amount, and offenders can face up to five years in jail. Despite this, landowners often find themselves paying out, on average, £1,000 to remove the dumped waste and in some cases the costs can soar as high as £100,000. The situation is incredibly unfair, as those farmers who do not clear up the waste risk being prosecuted themselves.

We’ll soon get a better idea of how the situation is shaping up with the new Defra figures. Here’s hoping we see some positive changes in the numbers.