Annual fly-tipping statistics for 2021-22 have been published by Welsh Government, revealing the local authorities making strides to tackle fly-tipping across Wales – with a total of 966 waste enforcement actions recorded April 2021-March 2022.
Anyone caught fly-tipping in Wales could face a range of enforcement actions including a £400 fixed penalty notice, having their vehicle seized, an unlimited fine in court or imprisonment.
What do the statistics show?
The local authorities with the highest number of successful fly-tipping prosecutions in Wales 2021-22 were:
1. Rhondda Cynon Taf (42 prosecutions)
2. Newport (29 prosecutions)
3. Caerphilly (9 prosecutions)
What’s more, the local authorities which issued the most fixed penalty notices this year were:
1. Cardiff (565 FPNs)
2. Powys (69 FPNs)
3. Swansea (47 FPNs)
Despite the slight increase of (0.64%) to 41,333 reported fly-tipping incidents compared to last year (41,071 incidents in 2020/21), 16 out of the 22 local authorities in Wales recorded a decrease – including Gwynedd, Wrexham, and Flintshire.
Overall, the stats show a promising development in fly-tipping action; where fly-tipping levels remain high, local authorities are clamping down on the illegal activity through enforcement. Areas reporting decreases in fly-tipping incidents hope to continue the trend into 2022, reminding residents of their legal Duty of Care when it comes to removing unwanted items from their homes.
What can you do to help tackle fly-tipping?
Around two thirds (70%) of all fly-tipping incidents contain waste from households, which is why we are urging residents to protect themselves from unregistered waste carriers.
You can help us stop fly-tipping at the source, by always checking that the person you’re paying to take unwanted items from your home is registered with Natural Resources Wales
It’s our Duty to Care where our household waste ends up – don’t get duped by fly-tippers, as if your waste is found fly-tipped, both you and the fly-tipper can face enforcement action.
To find out more about what you can do to keep fly-tipping out of Wales, read more about your Duty of Care and how to dispose of your waste responsibly.