Fly-tippers could face five years in prison under government crackdown

Laws laid this week will require waste carriers to prove they are qualified to do so, rather than just filling in an online form, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

According to Defra, the current registration system is “broken and outdated, relying on a basic registration process with limited identity and background checks”.

The department added that the broken system has been exploited by “rogue operators with a poor track record of dumping waste and leaving a huge clean-up bill”.

A new and tougher permit-based system will be brought into force in 2027, and those caught mishandling waste could face up to five years in prison.

A fly-tipping spot in Hulton (Image: Supplied)

Supporting the crackdown, Labour MP for Bolton West Phil Brickell said: “One of the issues raised with me time and time again on the doorstep is the issue of fly-tipping.

“It’s simply not good enough that some think it’s acceptable to dispose of their rubbish however they like.

“This is a matter that I’ve been campaigning on via education in our schools with my anti-fly-tipping competition, meeting with enforcement officers from Bolton Council and meeting with government ministers.”

Mr Brickell echoed the government’s plans for major reforms, saying the tougher checks will make it harder for criminals to hide.

Under the new permit-based system, he said: “One of the major changes we will see is that operators will have to display their permit number on advertising, vans and online, meaning that members of the public will be able to check and report unlicensed operators.

“These reforms are long overdue, and I’m hopeful that this will help prevent some of our local fly-tipping.”

Defra said the move to permitting will also give the Environment Agency stronger powers to revoke permits and issue enforcement notices.

“If someone pays to have their rubbish taken away, they should be confident it won’t end up in a field a week later,” it added.

Fly-tipping has emerged as one of Bolton’s most pressing issues, with many candidates in May’s local elections identifying it as a key priority.

Fly-tipping at Entwistle Reservoir (Image: Public)

In April, The Bolton News reported on a huge stash of vacuum cleaners found fly-tipped next to a beauty spot.

Many expressed their “disgust” over the incident at Entwistle Reservoir, with Blackburn with Darwen Council launching an investigation to find the culprits.

Under the new reforms, such incidents could leave perpetrators facing serious prison time.

If you see fly-tipping or suspect illegal waste activity, report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.