Hyndburn Council Strengthens Action Against Fly‑Tipping With Increased Penalties
Hyndburn Council Strengthens Action Against Fly‑Tipping With Increased Penalties
Hyndburn Borough Council has announced a strengthened approach to tackling fly‑tipping across the borough, as today Cabinet approved increased Fixed Penalty Notice charges for the most common waste‑related offences. The decision aims to build on recent progress in reducing fly‑tipping and further encourage responsible waste disposal among residents.
Image: Councillor Stewart Eaves, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services
Under the proposals, penalties for breaching section 46 requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, typically leaving waste out in black bags instead of the correct bins, will rise from £75 to £80, the maximum allowed. Penalties for fly‑tipping under section 33, such as waste dumped from vehicles or larger illegal deposits, will increase from £400 to £1,000, also the highest level permitted by law.
The Council’s waste service has long been recognised as one of the most proactive and efficient in Lancashire. Hyndburn remains the most efficient district council in the county for the collection of dry recyclables, achieving a 26% recycling rate for glass, cans, plastics, paper and cardboard. Beyond kerbside collections, residents benefit from extensive recycling services which include green waste, batteries, textiles and starting April 2026, food waste. The Council also operates a free bulky waste collection service, which supported over 9,000 households last year and diverted almost 17,000 items from landfill.
Despite this strong performance, Hyndburn’s waste teams still dealt with 2,631 fly‑tipping incidents in 2024/25. Although this represents a 10% reduction on the previous year which is positive news, the Council is committed to driving the number down further. Enforcement teams already issue advice notices, warning letters and FPNs daily, but evidence suggests current penalties no longer act as a sufficient deterrent.
Cllr Stewart Eaves, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, said:
“Hyndburn has one of the most comprehensive and community focused waste services in Lancashire, and we’re incredibly proud of the progress made so far. But fly‑tipping continues to blight many streets and cost taxpayers money. By increasing these penalties to the maximum level, we’re sending a clear message that illegal dumping of waste will not be tolerated. Our aim isn’t to issue more fines, it’s to prevent fly‑tipping altogether and keep our borough clean for everyone.”
Increasing penalty levels is just one part of a wider strategy to support residents in managing waste responsibly, encourage recycling and maintain safe, clean neighbourhoods. With accessible services already in place including weekly collections, dedicated recycling streams and the free bulky waste service, the Council is urging residents to play their part by using the correct receptacles and disposing of waste legally.