1. Litter Prevention and Control
2. Community Engagement, Education and Environmental Awareness
3. Public Realm Operations
4. Litter and Waste Enforcement

Within this framework, a multi-strand approach is taken to persistent fly-tipping and illegal dumping, combining enforcement, deterrence, prevention, education and community engagement.

All incidents of illegal dumping reported or detected in any area are investigated by the Council's Litter Warden Service and all dumped material is searched for evidence. Where evidence is found, the appropriate enforcement action is taken under the Litter Pollution Act 1997, as amended.

Based on the data recorded to date, the Council has not seen a significant increase in reports of illegal dumping in 2026 when compared with previous years. While the number of reports fluctuates from year to year, the 2026 figures to 31 August do not indicate an upward trend and remain below the total annual figures recorded in each of the previous four years. A definitive year-on-year comparison will be possible once the full 2026 calendar year has concluded.

The following statistics have been recorded on the Environmental Complaints System in relation to illegal dumping since 2022: