Merton Council launches new plan to crack down on fly-tipping 

· by · in Clean streets, Enforcement, Environment, Keep It Clean Love Merton, Recycling and waste. ·

Merton Council has today launched its Fly-tipping Strategy 2024–2029, setting out our bold and proactive plan to tackle illegal dumping across the borough. 

Fly-tipping is a blight on our neighbourhoods and continues to damage the environment, spoil public spaces, and divert resources from vital local services. To crack down on this issue, the council’s new strategy focuses on how we can prevent fly-tipping happening in the first place, be tougher enforcing against people who dump waste illegally, and work in partnership with the community to tackle this issue head-on. 

Councillor Stephen Alambritis, Cabinet Member for Transport and Cleaner Streets said: 

We’re taking a firm stand against fly-tipping, this strategy sets out how we’ll protect our streets and hold offenders to account—because everyone deserves a clean, safe borough.

The five-year plan outlines how the council will: 

  • Prevent fly-tipping by making it easier for residents and businesses to dispose of waste responsibly 
  • Enforce against those who break the law, using fines and prosecutions to deter illegal dumping 
  • Work closely with communities to promote pride in local areas and tackle fly-tipping hotspots 

To support responsible waste disposal, the council has recently expanded its pop-up tip service so that every neighbourhood has one near them at least four times a year. This expansion, which is part of Merton’s four new pledges to make Merton a cleaner, greener, safer place for all, is helping residents get rid of unwanted items more easily and legally. 

Our plan sends a clear message: fly-tipping is a criminal offence, and those responsible will face tough action. 

As part of this commitment, Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) charges for fly-tipping are increasing to £1,000 (or £500 if paid within 14 days), and littering fines are rising to £250 (£150 if paid early) from 1 May 2025. These changes follow a public consultation—residents asked for stronger action, and the council has delivered. 

This strategy builds on the Building a Better Merton Together plan and supports the borough’s wider goals under the Climate Action and Strategy Plan, ensuring Merton remains a place that resident are proud to live in. 

Read the full Fly-tipping Strategy 2024–2029