Fly tipping is one of those issues that almost everyone agrees is a problem, but opinions quickly split on how it should be tackled.
Councils are under pressure to keep streets, lanes and green spaces clear, while residents want enforcement to be fair and proportionate.
Recently, a couple of high-profile cases in the news have highlighted that tension very clearly.
At one end of the scale are stories where people feel enforcement has gone too far. At the other are incidents that show just how damaging and upsetting fly tipping can be when it’s left unchecked.
Both matter, and both help explain why January & February in particular are such busy months for illegal dumping.
When Enforcement Feels Unfair
One recent story that struck a chord with a lot of people involved an 83-year-old woman in Reading who found herself threatened with court action over a single cardboard box.
After taking recycling to a drop-off point near her local community centre, she later received letters accusing her of fly tipping and warning of a £600 fine and possible criminal conviction.
Her family insist she placed the box in the bin and believe it may have been blown out because the bins were already overflowing. Despite this, enforcement action continued, causing significant distress to an elderly woman who had never previously been in trouble with the council.
Cases like this are uncomfortable reading. Most people understand that councils have a duty to investigate fly tipping, but when enforcement appears to lack common sense or compassion, public confidence takes a hit. It also risks undermining genuine efforts to tackle serious, organised dumping by making residents feel targeted rather than protected.
The Other Extreme, Serious and Disturbing Fly Tipping
At the opposite end of the spectrum are incidents that show why fly tipping is taken so seriously in the first place. In January, mourners were left disgusted after a large amount of waste was dumped in a cemetery in Southampton.
Furniture, wooden panels and other bulky items were left close to graves, upsetting families who had come to pay their respects. For many, this crossed a line. Fly tipping is bad enough on a roadside or in a layby, but dumping rubbish in a place of remembrance is deeply disrespectful.
Southampton City Council moved to clear the waste, but the incident renewed calls for stronger prevention and deterrence. It also highlighted how fly tipping can affect people emotionally, not just financially or environmentally.
Dumping waste in a cemetery is abhorrent – wouldn’t it be better to catch the culprits and make them pay?
Why January Sees a Spike in Fly Tipping
Every year, January tends to be a hotspot for fly tipping. The reasons are fairly straightforward. After Christmas, many households have excess packaging, broken furniture, old decorations and items cleared out as part of New Year resets.
Council tips can be busier than usual, opening hours may be reduced, and some people are reluctant to pay disposal fees for bulky waste. That combination creates an opportunity for illegal dumping to rise sharply.
For councils already stretched by budgets and staffing pressures, this seasonal spike can be particularly challenging. It also increases the risk of mistakes, where enforcement is rushed or relies too heavily on limited evidence, potentially leading to situations like the Reading case.
The Rise of Rogue Man with a Van Operators
For the same reasons, January and February are a prime time for man with a van services advertising cheap waste removal. Many are legitimate and responsible, but some are not licensed waste carriers at all.
These rogue operators often advertise on social media, collect cash, and then dump the waste illegally to avoid disposal costs. When rubbish is traced back, it’s often the householder whose address appears in the waste, leaving them facing fines despite believing they did the right thing.
Once reported, these operators can be hard to trace. Social media profiles disappear, phone numbers change, and new accounts pop up under different names. Without proper investigation, the real offenders walk away while innocent people deal with the consequences.
How Private Investigators Can Help Councils
This is where experienced private investigators can make a real difference. Rather than relying solely on paperwork found in dumped waste, professional investigation focuses on identifying who actually carried out the offence.
Through covert surveillance at known hotspots, investigators can capture clear evidence of vehicles, individuals and the act of dumping itself. Unlike fixed cameras, which offenders quickly learn to avoid, mobile surveillance allows investigators to adapt in real time.
If number plates are covered, swapped or altered, trained surveillance operatives know what to look for. They can follow vehicles, identify true addresses, and build a clear evidential picture that stands up in court.
This approach not only improves prosecution success but also reduces the risk of innocent residents being wrongly accused. In the long run, that saves councils money by avoiding drawn-out disputes, appeals and reputational damage.
A Smarter Way to Tackle Fly Tipping
Fly tipping isn’t going away, and heavy-handed enforcement alone won’t solve it. Fairness matters. So does accuracy.
By focusing on catching the real offenders, particularly organised or repeat fly tippers, councils can protect communities, support residents, and use their limited resources more effectively. For private individuals caught up in accusations through no fault of their own, professional investigation can also provide vital evidence and peace of mind.
If you’re a council dealing with persistent fly tipping, or a private individual facing accusations linked to rogue waste collectors, speaking to specialists who understand both surveillance and evidence gathering can make all the difference.
If you have an enquiry about fly tipping or need professional investigative support, call EJM Investigations on 01772 334700.