Highest fly-tipping fine

A Bootle woman has been handed the highest fly-tipping fine available after illegally dumping a huge quantity of household waste in an alley near her home. 

The offender received the maximum £1,000 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) after Sefton Council's Environmental Enforcement Officers found that she had fly-tipped a substantial amount of rubbish in an alleyway in Bootle. This included a huge amount of household waste and bin bags full of rubbish.  

Car parking space full of waste

The waste covered an area equivalent to a standard car parking space underlining the scale and severity of the offence. 

Sefton Council takes a robust approach to tackling environmental crimes and is committed to maintaining clean neighbourhoods across the borough.  

Fly-tipping has a significant impact on local areas, affecting their appearance, damaging the environment and generating avoidable clean-up costs. 

The cost of removing illegally dumped waste is met by the Council and ultimately the taxpayer, diverting resources that could otherwise be invested in local services.  

Additional investment

Sefton Council has invested an additional £1 million in street cleansing and preventing fly-tipping. And since December last year, Sefton Council has increased the fixed penalty notice for fly-tipping to up to £1,000, sending a clear message that illegal dumping will not be tolerated. 

Outrageous act affecting residents

Councillor Peter Harvey, Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Street Scene, said: “This case demonstrates exactly why we introduced tougher penalties for fly-tipping. Dumping so much waste, such is an outrageous act that damages our environment and affects local residents. 

“The vast majority of people dispose of their waste responsibly and should not have to put up with those who think it is acceptable to dump rubbish. We will continue to investigate offences and take robust action against anyone caught fly-tipping.” 

Residents are reminded that there are a range of legal and responsible ways to dispose of waste, including household waste recycling centres and licensed waste carriers. 

Anyone caught fly-tipping in Sefton risks significant financial penalties and possible court action.  

For more information about waste disposal services and reporting fly-tipping, visit  https://www.sefton.gov.uk/fly-tipping