Plans to tackle ‘new narcotics’ of fly-tipping
The government has announced plans to tackle what the head of the Environment Agency has called the “new narcotics” of fly-tipping and waste crime.
The proposals would see checks on who is able to handle and dispose of waste, as well as a digital tracking system.
Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of rubbish, like mattresses and bags of waste, in parks, or on pavements.
There were 1.13 million fly-tipping incidents in England in 2020-21, a rise of 16% on the previous 12 months.
The cost, which includes clear-up and lost taxes, has been estimated to be £1bn a year.
