Fines for fly-tipping and littering in Bradford are likely to rise “to send a clear message” to people who dump waste on the district’s streets.
It comes amid a rise in fly-tipping reports. Bradford Council received more than 10,000 complaints of fly-tipping in 2023/24 – a rise of 10 per cent on the previous year.
Next week, the Council’s Executive will decide whether to increase fines for fly-tipping, littering, and people allowing waste to be fly-tipped on their behalf.
The changes would see fly-tipping fines rise from £400 to up to £1,000 for the most serious offences, and fines for littering would increase from £100 to £150.
Other changes due to be approved by the Executive would make it easier for people to dispose of waste at Council-run tips and for commercial vehicles to legally dump waste.
The Council says the changes will help reduce the amount of cases that go to court – which can often take well over a year to pass through the court system and cost the taxpayer thousands of pounds to prosecute per case.
The new fly-tipping fines will be divided into three tiers.
People found to be dumping hazardous and commercial waste will be fined £1,000.
Fly-tippers found dumping domestic waste that could fit into a car boot will be fined £400, although this will be reduced to £300 if it is paid early.
A “low level” £150 fine will be issued to people caught fly-tipping a single item.
The “householder duty of care” fine will rise from £250 to £400 (discounted to £250 for early payment). This fine is issued to people who fail to make sure their waste is taken by a legitimate waste trader.
Littering fines will rise to £150, although they will be reduced to £100 if the litter lout pays promptly.
A report to the Executive says:
“The Bradford district continues to face a rise in environmental offences, particularly fly-tipping.
“In Bradford, compared to 2022-23 there has been a 10 per cent rise in the number of fly tipping cases investigated by the Environmental Enforcement Team with over 10,000 fly-tipping incidents reported in 2023/24.
“The proposed fines will provide a more effective deterrent against fly-tipping and littering and ensure greater accountability among residents in ensuring proper waste disposal.
“While serious fly-tipping incidents, such as those involving significant waste volumes, hazardous materials, or repeat offenders will still face prosecution, the FPN system provides an effective alternative to prosecution by offering offenders the opportunity to pay a fine rather than face court proceedings.”
The Executive will also weigh up changes to its weighbridge policies that see commercial waste companies charged for the amount of waste they dump in a bid to cut down on the landfill tax burden on the taxpayer.
The report to members says:
“Historically, fees were calculated based on a minimum weight of 200kg or 400kg, as this predominantly catered to larger vehicles such as vans.
“These charges have now been reviewed to provide businesses with more accessible waste management alternatives. The updated fee structure now commences at 100kg, offering a more competitive entry price compared to previous years.”
Residents carrying out DIY works will also be able to dispose of more waste at Council tips.
People are currently limited to disposing of 12 25kg bags of DIY waste at a year. Under the proposed changes they will now be able to dispose of two 50kg bags a week.
The report adds:
“The proposed restructuring of charges aims to provide greater transparency and consistency, ensuring that responsible waste disposal is both accessible and affordable.
“This approach is intended to support businesses in using legitimate disposal routes and to reduce incidences of fly-tipping by removing any financial incentives for illegal waste disposal.”
Members will also be told that the Council has recently secured £87,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to buy more CCTV cameras that will be installed at fly-tipping hot spots.
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, portfolio holder for healthy people and places, said:
“These changes send out a clear message that fly-tipping will not be tolerated. The penalties are getting tougher.
“It will be more affordable for commercial waste and DIY waste to be disposed of so that responsible residents will find it easier. Everyone benefits from having a cleaner district.”
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