Stories
London’s Fly-Tipping Crisis
Sortera brings licensed waste collection to your fingertips
Fly-tipping in London is worsening due to rising landfill taxes, rogue waste carriers, and limited recycling access, prompting Sortera to offer an easy, sustainable waste collection solution through its new online platform.
Fly-tipping continues to blight communities across Greater London, with illegally dumped waste damaging the environment, putting public health at risk, and costing local authorities millions to clean up. As pressures mount, Sortera is stepping up with smarter solutions designed to make sustainable waste disposal simpler and more accessible for everyone.
According to the latest government figures, England saw more than 1.15 million fly-tipping incidents in 2023/24, a 6.3% increase from the year before. London boroughs are consistently among the worst affected, with hotspots like Hackney, Camden, Tower Hamlets and Croydon reporting thousands of cases annually. Some councils are now spending upwards of £2 million a year on cleanup, enforcement, and prevention.
Despite rising fines, CCTV enforcement, and public awareness campaigns, many local authorities say the problem is only growing. But why?
Why Is Fly-Tipping on the Rise?
1. Higher Disposal Costs
The UK raised its landfill tax to its highest level on record in April 2025, aiming to drive recycling. But the sharp hike has backfired in part, unlicensed waste carriers are now dodging the fee and dumping waste illegally.
2. Rogue Traders Exploiting the System
Illegal operators are undercutting legitimate waste companies. They’ll collect the waste, only to abandon it on side streets, alleyways, or even green spaces.
3. Access Challenges at Recycling Centres
Booking-only council tips, restrictive opening hours, and bans on certain materials mean many people find it difficult to legally dispose of waste, particularly in fast-paced urban areas like London.
As London’s leading construction waste management company, Sortera is part of the solution. Our new e-commerce platform makes it easy for households to book licensed, responsible waste collection in just a few clicks.
Explore it here: shop.sortera.co.uk
This isn’t just about convenience, it’s about shifting toward a culture of accessible, sustainable waste solutions. Fly-tipping won’t be solved with fines alone. It requires better infrastructure and practical tools people can actually use.
