Tougher fines to tackle fly-tipping and protect our environment
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are stepping up efforts to combat environmental crimes with stricter penalties for fly-tipping, littering and for householders who fail to ensure that their waste will be disposed of legally.
From 1 April 2025, those who fail to meet their legal responsibilities for waste disposal will face significantly higher fines as part of a national crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
Environmental crimes like fly-tipping harm wildlife, damage public spaces and cost taxpayers millions in clean-up efforts. The tougher fines, introduced by the government, aim to deter offenders and ensure those who disregard the law face serious consequences.
Key changes include:
- Householder duty of care breaches: on-the-spot fines will rise from £300 to £600.
- Fly-tipping: maximum fixed penalty notices will increase from £400 to £1,000.
- Littering and graffiti: fines will rise from £80 to £500.
Failure to pay these fines may lead to prosecution in court, which could result in an unlimited fine or even imprisonment for large-scale fly-tipping offences.
Your Rubbish, your responsibility – your duty of care
Under the law, householders must ensure that their waste is disposed of legally and responsibly. Even when hiring someone to remove rubbish, you remain accountable.
If someone’s waste is found fly-tipped and they have failed to verify that the person or trader was legally authorised to handle it, or they failed to retain documentation, they could face an on-the-spot fine.
Don’t become a victim of crime – how to stay legal when having waste removed
To avoid penalties:
- Check waste carriers: always verify that the person removing your rubbish is a registered waste carrier. Use the Environment Agency’s public register (environment.data.gov.uk/public-register) or call 03708 506 506.
- Keep Records: obtain a receipt or transfer note with details of the waste carrier, their contact information and where your waste will be disposed of. Also, record the vehicle details, such as make and registration.
For more information on your duty of care and proper waste disposal methods, visit
Cllr Sam James-Lawrie, South Oxfordshire District Council Cabinet Member for Environment, emphasized, “There is absolutely no excuse for fly-tipping or for allowing your rubbish to be fly-tipped. It’s crucial that everyone takes responsibility for their waste and ensure it’s disposed of legally to protect our communities and countryside.
“The tougher penalties mean it could end up costing you a lot more than a quick trip to your local waste and recycling centre, which is free for many household items, including garden waste, large electricals and small amounts of DIY waste. Most household items, including small electricals and clothes, are accepted as part of our kerbside waste and recycling collection service, and our bulky waste service is there if you wish to dispose of bigger items, such as sofas and white goods.”
Cllr Mark Coleman, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Waste Vale of White Horse District Council, added, “While householders must take responsibility for their rubbish, we also need everyone to act as the eyes of the community to help us catch those involved in fly-tipping, littering and graffiti.
“Please be vigilant and report any instances, or if you suspect that someone is involved in an enviro crime. Let’s work together to protect our environment and ensure our public spaces remain safe and enjoyable for all!”
Help us to tackle fly-tipping and enviro crimes – please report it!
Residents play a vital role in keeping our communities clean. If you spot a fly-tip or suspect someone is involved in illegal waste disposal, littering or graffiti, please report it via the council’s website or contact Biffa at 03000 610610.
If you spot an incident taking place, try to discretely record details of the vehicle and/or individuals involved – photos and video are especially useful, but please do not risk your safety by challenging someone who is committing a crime.
To report enviro crimes, such as fly-tipping, littering, graffiti and dog fouling, visit:
More information
- In 2024 alone, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils dealt with 1,092 instances of fly-tipping and took enforcement action against 80 individuals.
- The councils are part of the Rural Crime Partnership, working alongside Thames Valley Police and West Oxfordshire District Council on initiatives such as introducing new surveillance equipment to catch fly-tippers and tackle hot spot areas, increased signage and information to tackle littering and working with farmers to improve security.
- To find out about taking rubbish to your local Household Waste and Recycling Centre, visit the county council’s website – oxfordshire.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling.
- To book a bulky waste collection from your property, visit:
