DeterTech has warned of a significant increase in fly-tipping in Birmingham and the surrounding areas, amid ongoing industrial action. Analysis of a council performance report reveals an increase from 8,171 incidents in 2023/24 to 12,453 in 2024/25, with innocent citizens left to deal with the consequences.
With the industrial dispute currently in its eleventh week there have been numerous reports of rogue traders charging residents to remove waste before illegally dumping it near commercial premises, voided properties and farmer’s fields. Unfortunately, it is the landowner’s responsibility to pay for the removal and disposal of fly-tipped waste, leaving innocent citizens footing the bill for criminals’ actions.
Council officials have acknowledged the issue and, despite treating it as a criminal offence and pledging a zero-tolerance approach to illegal dumping, the problem continues to persist. Furthermore, since the dispute began the city has seen a significant rise in large, discarded items, such as fridges, mattresses, and furniture.
Even before the strike began, Birmingham City Council was already struggling with fly-tipping, with only 74% of incidents cleared within seven days – well below their 95% target. The strike has only worsened this situation.
Residents, landowners and businesses are being forced to clean up fly-tipping left on their properties and in some cases, face council fines. Cabinet member for the environment, Councillor Majid Mahmood, has also expressed concerns that criminal gangs are exploiting the situation.
Gary Higgins, Director of Security and Risk at DeterTech, comments: “Highly visible, monitored surveillance solutions are the most effective deterrent against fly-tipping. Most importantly they discourage individuals from engaging in fly-tipping in the first place. Secondly, they provide the evidence needed to identify and hold offenders to account. Combining prevention with enforcement will help to create a cleaner, safer environment for everyone.”
