Tackling fly-tipping in Dorset
Keeping communities free of discarded rubbish and dumped waste is rightly important to people in Dorset. I recognise incidents like this are far from harmless, and that’s why tackling fly-tipping and waste crime are key commitments under my Police and Crime Plan priority to Fight Rural Crime.
These offences damage our environment, undermine community confidence, and place an unfair financial burden on taxpayers, while being really frustrating for residents who take pride in where they live. Working together with partners is integral to tackling these issues, which is why I was so encouraged by the latest figures from Dorset Council, which show a significant increase in enforcement activity over the past year.
The local authority issued 80 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) in 2025 for waste-related offences - almost double the number issued the previous year. This includes 33 fines specifically for fly-tipping, up from 18 the year before. These figures demonstrate a clear and determined approach and send a strong message that those who break the law will be identified and held accountable.
Fly-tipping is not just about discarded rubbish though; it can be linked to wider criminality and serious organised crime, including illegal waste operations and unlicensed carriers. Tackling these issues effectively is why partnership working is essential and through the Dorset Partnership Against Rural Crime (DPARC) we are bringing together policing, local authorities and rural stakeholders to share intelligence, coordinate enforcement and prevent offending in the first place. I established DPARC when I came to Office in 2021, bringing together key partners including Dorset Police, local authorities, the National Farmers Union, NFU Mutual, the Country Land and Business Association and Cornish Mutual among others to share knowledge, best practice and data.
As part of these collaborative efforts, I am proud to continue funding a dedicated fly-tipping enforcement officer within Dorset Council, who is already delivering impressive results. This role strengthens the ability to investigate incidents thoroughly, pursue offenders, and build strong cases that lead to meaningful penalties. These are not symbolic actions; they reinforce the message that Dorset will not tolerate environmental crime.
However, enforcement alone is not enough. We must also empower residents and businesses to play their part. I urge everyone to remain vigilant and report fly-tipping to your councils as soon as it is spotted. If it is safe to do so, take note of the location and capture photographic evidence, but do not approach those involved. When arranging for waste removal, always check that the individual or company is properly licensed - this simple step can prevent your waste from becoming part of the problem. There are also accessible and legal options available, and many household items can be disposed of free of charge at local recycling centres, making it easy to do the right thing.
Tackling fly-tipping supports our shared ambition to protect Dorset’s natural beauty, strengthen our communities, and ensure public spaces remain clean and safe. Through strong enforcement, partnership working and community engagement, we are making real progress - but there is more to do, and I remain fully committed to this work through DPARC and in lockstep with our rural partners and communities to keep Dorset one of the safest – and most beautiful – places in the country.
David Sidwick
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner
How to report fly-tipping in Dorset
If you live in the Dorset Council area:
- Go to Dorset Council’s website to use the online form or call 01305 221040.
If you live in the BCP Council area:
- Go to BCP Council’s website to report.