What we're doing

This study will look at how councils are preventing and responding to incidents of fly tipping and to improve the value for money of their approach. This will include looking at the approach taken in councils with high and low incidents of fly tipping, as well as those with high and low costs. We will also look to identify practice from other countries that may also help councils to improve their approaches. These will inform our recommendations that will focus on areas where councils can improve the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of their approach to preventing and responding to fly tipping.

Why we're doing it

Fly tipping is the unlawful dumping of waste rather than it being disposed of in an authorised place, such as a recycling centre. It is a criminal offence that can result in a fine or prison sentence. Councils are responsible for responding to and taking enforcement action when most fly tipping is reported. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) are responsible where it occurs on its land or in a main river.

Responding to fly tipping has many costs. These include both from the collecting and disposing of waste but also from the impact on communities and the environment. This makes preventing fly tipping critical for councils and NRW.

When we'll report

Summer 2027.