Fly-tipping almost doubles across Dudley borough

Dudley Council figures show during the first two quarters of this financial year, from April to September 2023, there were 1,425 incidents of fly-tipping across the borough.

This compares with 812 from the same period in the previous year, while enforcement actions in the same two periods fell slightly from 229 to 213.

The shocking statistics are included in a report for members of the council’s highways and environmental services select committee.

The report said: “Fly-tippers hit Dudley Borough more than 240 times a month.

"The fly-tippers have targeted roads, alleyways, and other areas with items ranging from kitchen appliances, black bags, tyres and vehicle parts.”

The cost to council tax payers is high. In 2022 the council spent £94,000 clearing up illegal tipping.

Between April and September 2023, council officers launched investigations in 133 cases.

The Brierley Hill ward was the scene of the highest number of 'Total Waste' investigations, with 18.

Dudley Council’s leader, Councillor Patrick Harley, believes the rise in reported incidents is down to people being more willing to report fly-tipping after council publicity campaigns.

Councillor Harley said: “In the past couple of years we have been putting in covert cameras to catch them in the act, it is about the public working with us and being vigilant.

“If we can gather the evidence we can use it and they will get a hefty fine.”

Fly-tippers face fines from the council of between £75 and £400, or much more if a prosecution goes through the courts.

During the second quarter of the financial year, the council carried out 104 fly-tip enforcement actions, which included dishing out 13 fixed penalties and 15 legal notices.

Councillor Harley said: “Our job is to catch as many people as possible. The worst cases go to court and it teaches people a lesson, but it goes back to catching people in the act.”