Fly-tippers to face fines of up to £1,000

Richmond Council is sending out the message that fly-tippers will not be allowed to spoil the borough for others, as it introduces heavier penalties for anyone caught fly-tipping in Richmond upon Thames.  

Last year, the government increased the maximum Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) allowed for fly-tipping from £400 to £1,000. 
 
On Tuesday 16 January, the Council’s Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee approved amending local policies to reflect this change, bringing in powers to enforce the highest rate for FPNs for those caught breaking the law in this way. 
 
Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee said: 
 
"We want the borough's streets to be kept clean, green and safe for everyone. 
 
"There is no excuse for fly-tipping in Richmond upon Thames. The Council provides re-use and recycling services at Townmead Road, as well as a bulky waste collection service for those who prefer larger items to be picked up from their property. We have regular domestic waste and recycling collections from households, and local recycling sites for those without a kerbside recycling collection service. We've also introduced a programme of mega skips across the borough to help residents dispose of unwanted items responsibly and conveniently.

"Fly-tipping is anti-social, harmful to wildlife, and an eyesore. It's especially offensive to those who live or work nearby and dispose of their waste responsibly.

"From now on, anyone who is found to have fly-tipped will face a fine of up to £1,000."
 
The Committee approved increasing the penalty for fly-tipping offences to the maximum amount of £1,000. This will be reduced to £500 if paid within ten days. 
 
During the last three years there has been an increase in the number of enforcement actions undertaken, from 1,336 in 2020/2021 to 1,620 in 2022/2023. 
 
Fly-tipping is when waste is dumped illegally. Subject to the scale of the fly-tip, with sufficient evidence perpetrators can be prosecuted. The maximum fine that can be imposed for a large-scale fly-tip at a Magistrates Court is £50,000 and at Crown Court is unlimited.
 
Fly-tipping can be reported on the website or via the My Richmond app. Any information provided will be treated with the strictest confidence.