Rural South West England Faces Surge in Fly-Tipping Incidents Despite National Decrease

In a concerning development for rural communities, recent government data reveals a significant increase in fly-tipping incidents in South West England, despite a marginal decline in national figures. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) warns that the situation is far worse than reported, especially on privately owned lands.

The Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) reported a slight decrease in fly-tipping across England, with 1.08 million incidents in 2022/23, down 1% from the previous year. However, this national trend contrasts sharply with the situation in the South West, where local authorities recorded 49,954 incidents, a small but notable increase from 49,833 in 2021/22.

South Somerset witnessed the most dramatic rise, with a 67.5% increase in fly-tipping incidents, while North Somerset saw a 41.7% increase. Other areas, including West Devon, Forest of Dean, and South Hams, also reported significant surges.

In stark contrast, Torridge in North West Devon reported the lowest number of incidents, albeit increasing from two to 193 year-over-year.

The CLA South West, representing farmers, landowners, and rural businesses in regions like Wiltshire, Cornwall, and Devon, argues that the true extent of the problem is much greater. This is due to Defra’s exclusion of incidents on private land from their statistics. According to the CLA, two-thirds of farmers and landowners have experienced fly-tipping, often handling clean-up costs themselves due to little faith in local authorities’ response capabilities.

Ann Maidment, CLA South West Regional Director, emphasised the severity of the issue, noting that the costs borne by farmers and landowners for waste removal can be substantial, sometimes reaching up to £100,000. She highlighted the environmental and safety risks posed by the dumped waste, which often includes hazardous materials.

Ann Maidment, Regional Director for the CLA in the South West

The CLA has been actively campaigning on this issue, introducing a five-point action plan to combat fly-tipping. The plan urges local authorities, the Environment Agency, and police forces to take stronger action against fly-tipping on private land and relieve landowners of the liability for waste removal.

The government’s 2022 measures to address fly-tipping, including increased funding for local authorities, have been welcomed. However, CLA President Victoria Vyvyan calls for more effective enforcement and support, stressing that without significant progress, farmers will continue to bear the brunt of these criminal activities.

The recent ban on DIY waste charges at recycling centres, effective from January 1, 2024, has been praised by the CLA as a step towards reducing illegal dumping by making waste disposal more accessible.

For further information about the CLA and its activities in the South West, interested parties can visit their website.