Protecting Central Bedfordshire’s countryside from fly-tipping
Wednesday, 8 October 2025
This October, we'll be stepping up our work to tackle fly-tipping across the area.
Central Bedfordshire's countryside and towns were recently showcased to the nation as the Tour of Britain men's cycle race passed through. We want to make sure the natural beauty, villages and local landmarks that residents are proud of, and that visitors travel to enjoy, are preserved for years to come.
To help stop the illegal dumping of rubbish, we'll be increasing the use of covert cameras in key locations. These will be placed in identified fly-tipping hotspot areas, to identify and prosecute those who break the law.
But there is also an important role for residents. Many fly-tipping cases happen because people use unlicensed waste carriers. If their rubbish is then dumped, the responsibility also lies with the person who paid for the removal.
Remember:
- always check if a waste carrier is licensed – find out more about rogue rubbish collectors
- be cautious of unlicensed clearance companies advertising online or on social media; even if it seems cheaper, the costs of a fine or prosecution are far greater (a fixed penalty notice is £600, while court cases can lead to unlimited fines or imprisonment)
- use our bulky waste collection service
If you see it, report fly-tipping online. Where possible, include details such as vehicle registration or description, which helps build evidence.
Leaving items beside full bottle banks, clothing bins or recycling sites is also classed as fly-tipping. Many of these sites are monitored by CCTV, and action will be taken where offences are identified.
Councillor Tracey Wye, our Executive Member for Environment, said:
Our communities take real pride in the countryside, towns and villages that make Central Bedfordshire such a great place to live and visit. We are committed to protecting that environment and taking strong action against fly-tipping.
By working with parish councils, using new technology, and supporting residents to make the right choices, we can tackle this problem together.”