Date published: 18 September 2026
Fly-tippers are being warned their actions will not be tolerated after councillors proposed tougher penalties for people illegally dumping rubbish across Wychavon.
Under the measures, the maximum fixed penalty for fly-tipping would increase from £1,000 to £5,000. Littering is also in the council's sights, with the maximum fixed penalty notice set to rise from £500 to £750 as part of a wider zero-tolerance approach to environmental crime.
The proposals will go to full Council later this month for approval. They are the latest step in Wychavon's fight against environmental crime. Alongside enforcement action, the council has invested in education and prevention measures designed to tackle the causes of fly-tipping and littering.
Some 21,500 children across 58 schools have now taken part in Wychavon's anti-litter education programme delivered through Little Litter Warriors, helping to encourage responsible behaviour and greater pride in local communities.
Residents are also being encouraged to play their part by using licensed and responsible waste carriers. Earlier this year, Wychavon launched WasteGuard, a free service helping householders find authorised waste carriers, while the SCRAP campaign promotes simple checks residents should make before handing over unwanted items.
Anyone who gives their waste to an unauthorised carrier risks it being dumped illegally and could face enforcement action themselves if they fail in their legal duty of care to ensure it is disposed of properly.
Cllr Beverley Hardman, Wychavon's Executive Board Member for Environment, said: "These proposed increases send a clear message that we will use every tool available to crack down on the criminal behaviour that blights our district. Whether it is fly-tipping or littering, anyone caught damaging our communities and countryside can expect tougher consequences.
"But enforcement is only one part of the answer. We all have a role to play. Before handing over your waste, make sure the person taking it away is licensed and will dispose of it properly. What looks like a cheap deal today could become a very expensive mistake tomorrow if your rubbish is dumped illegally and you find yourself facing enforcement action.
"And there really is no excuse for littering. We have more than one thousand litter and dog waste bins across Wychavon, but if you can't find one, take your rubbish home and put it in the bin."
Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon, added: “Fly-tipping and littering place financial burdens on council taxpayers while blighting our beautiful district. Increasing these penalties is another step in ensuring those responsible face the consequences of their actions rather than leaving others to pick up the cost."
Pictured: Fly-tippers face tougher penalties