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More fly-tipping fines as number of cases rise

Nadia Lincoln,Local democracy reporting serviceand
Louise Parry
North Northamptonshire Council A large selection of rubbish on the ground, with lots of metal canisters. There are bags. Grass is all around it. North Northamptonshire Council
The Reform-led council says it "actively tackles environmental crime"

The number of fly-tipping incidents in the north of a county has increased by almost 25% in one year, with more fines also being issued.

North Northamptonshire Council recorded 8,330 fly-tips between July 2025 and June 2026, compared with 6,676 the previous year.

The council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the increase was partly linked to improved reporting.

"We are working to develop a more intelligence-led approach to environmental crime, including greater use of data analysis and technology that could support both prevention and enforcement activity," a council spokesperson said.

James Grant/BBC Five full black bin bags left on a grass verge, next to a green iron fence.James Grant/BBC
North Northamptonshire Council has raised fines to crack down on fly-tipping and littering

According to data gathered through a Freedom of Information request, the council has dealt with 22 illegal waste dumps every day on average over the past 12 months.

The council also revealed the streets with the highest number of fly-tipping incidents during that period:

Wood Street, Kettering – 74

Minerva Way, Wellingborough – 60

Newcomen Road, Wellingborough – 56

Pipewell Road, East Carlton – 55

Shire Road, Corby – 53

In 2025, the council issued 96 Fixed Penalty Notices for fly-tipping. This year, it has already issued 101.

A spokesperson said the increase demonstrated "the improvements made in reporting, investigation and responses".

North Northamptonshire Council A large pile of rubbish, showing a fridge, a suitcase, items in bags, sacks and pieces of wood, all on the ground.North Northamptonshire Council
The aftermath of previous fly-tipping in North Northamptonshire

They said the scale varied "significantly", ranging from large amounts of dumped waste to household rubbish left next to communal bins.

The council said its officers would continue to take "a balanced response", combining enforcement with education.

"This includes ongoing targeted activity in known hotspots, working with partners and raising awareness amongst residents on how to dispose of waste.

"We also intend to contribute evidence and operational experience to the Government's consultation on additional powers for local authorities to address fly-tipping offences," the spokesperson added.

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