Households are being warned they could face fines of up to £5,000 for illegally dumping rubbish under tougher rules.
The Government has increased the maximum fine councils can hand out for fly-tipping as part of a wider crackdown on waste crime. Under the changes, the maximum on-the-spot fine for fly-tipping will rise from £1,000 to £5,000 – an increase of 400%.
It means anyone caught illegally dumping waste could face a much bigger penalty. The maximum fine for littering on streets is also being increased from £500 to £750.
The Government said the tougher penalties are designed to act as a stronger deterrent and reduce the amount of rubbish being dumped illegally across the country.
Local authorities will still have discretion over how much someone is fined, with penalties able to range between minimum and maximum thresholds depending on how serious the offence is.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “Fly-tipping and littering is a disgrace that blights local communities. Under this government, criminals who break the rules will face heftier fines to clean up the mess they make.
“We are sending a clear message to those who dump their rubbish – we are coming after you and you will pay the price.”
The changes form part of the Government’s wider Waste Crime Action Plan, which includes measures aimed at tackling everything from rubbish dumped on streets to large illegal waste sites.
Authorities have also been given guidance on identifying and seizing vehicles involved in fly-tipping, as well as taking cases to court and securing convictions against vehicle owners.
The Government has also launched a digital waste tracking service and tightened rules which could see fly-tippers risk losing their licences under tougher court powers.
People who spot fly-tipping or suspect illegal waste activity are being encouraged to report it.
The Government said the increased fines are intended to reflect the damage waste crime can cause to communities and the environment.
