How much does fly-tipping cost Bristol taxpayers annually?

Fly-tipping costs Bristol taxpayers approximately £1 million each year.

What is Bristol City Council doing about fly-tipping?

Bristol City Council employs fly-tip rangers to investigate and fine offenders, and runs campaigns to raise awareness.

How can I protect myself from illegal waste carriers in Bristol?

Check their license with the Environment Agency and obtain a waste transfer note (receipt) when they take your waste.

Home / Environment / Bristol's Fly-Tipping Nightmare: Rubbish Mounts

Bristol's Fly-Tipping Nightmare: Rubbish Mounts

20 Nov

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Summary

Fly-tipping in Bristol has seen a 14% increase in the last year.
The city's waste crime costs taxpayers approximately £1 million annually.
Rangers sort through dumped waste to trace owners and issue fines.

Bristol's Fly-Tipping Nightmare: Rubbish Mounts

Fly-tipping in Bristol has been labeled "relentless" by city council waste teams. Reports of illegally dumped rubbish have surged by 14% in the past year, with over 10,000 incidents recorded by Bristol Waste in 2024. This growing problem incurs a significant cost to taxpayers, estimated at approximately £1 million annually.

Dedicated fly-tip rangers are actively working to combat this issue. They meticulously sort through discarded waste, searching for personal details on items like letters or packaging that could help trace the responsible parties. The goal is to identify offenders and issue fines to deter future occurrences of waste crime.

In conjunction with a "Fight Fly-Tipping Fortnight" campaign, authorities are also educating the public on protecting themselves from unlicensed waste carriers. Residents are advised to verify carrier licenses with the Environment Agency and to obtain waste transfer notes as proof of proper disposal, preventing waste from ending up dumped in public spaces.