Hackney is getting tough on fly-tipping, and it’s paying off
The Council has sped up waste removals, given out more fines and cut illegal dumping by businesses.
Hackney Council is seeing significant results after stepping up action against fly-tipping in the borough.
The Council’s behaviour change team and fly-tipping enforcement teams have been working with residents and businesses to prevent illegal dumping and find those responsible.
This work is already delivering results, with a 15% reduction in black sacks of waste illegally dumped on main roads by high street businesses from May to August 2026, saving over £26,000 in disposal costs alone and keeping pavements clear for pedestrians.
The Council’s fly-tipping enforcement team also handed out 805 Fixed Penalty Notices for waste-related offences between April and August, 71% more than in the same period last year.
This comes against a backdrop of increasing reports of fly-tipping nationally, with the latest figures showing 1.26 million incidents reported by local authorities in England in 2024/25, a 9% increase on the previous year.
Despite fly-tipping reports to the Council rising 52% last year to almost 8,000 incidents, Hackney’s crews are now removing fly-tipped waste 0.28 days faster, bringing the average removal time down to 2.37 days.
Hackney is teaming up with Keep Britain Tidy to support Fight Fly-tipping Fortnight (12-25 October 2026). This year, the national campaign is focused on warning residents about criminal waste traders who use convincing, professional-looking online ads to pose as legitimate businesses - only to illegally dump the rubbish they are paid to take away.
It reminds residents to check a waste carrier’s license online or call 0300 065 3000 if they’re paying a private trader to collect their bulky waste.
“People in Hackney should be able to enjoy streets that are clear of rubbish. It’s something I hear from residents when I’m out and about, and it’s one of the basics we’re committed to getting right.
“Our increased focus on fly-tipping prevention and enforcement is already seeing real results, with our brilliant teams removing waste even more quickly and taking action to change irresponsible behaviour.
“But enforcement is only part of the solution, which is why we’re working with residents and businesses to challenge behaviours that lead to illegal dumping, while calling on the GLA and national government to do more to help councils tackle fly-tipping.”
Zoë Garbett, Mayor of Hackney
Residents can book a bulky waste collection via the Hackney Council Bulky Waste collection page or by calling 020 8356 6688.
Anyone who witnesses fly-tipping is urged to report it, helping the council take action and keep Hackney clean for everyone.
Information and advice on the range of waste, recycling and reuse services offered by the Council and other organisations is available on the Council's website.