Published: Mon 15th June, 2026
Fly-tipping is more than an eyesore — it harms the environment, risks public health and drains funding from vital local services.
Councils across Leicestershire are joining forces through the Leicestershire Waste Partnership to support a two-week No Rubbish Excuses campaign, raising awareness of the issue and showing how easily it can be prevented. Partners include Blaby, Charnwood, Harborough, Hinckley & Bosworth, Leicester City, Melton, North West Leicestershire, and Oadby & Wigston councils.
While most residents dispose of waste responsibly, illegal dumping by a minority — including rogue waste carriers — continues to impact communities. Clearing fly-tipping costs councils millions nationally each year and can lead to neglected areas that attract further waste and reduce community pride.
Residents are urged to check waste carriers are licensed before handing over rubbish — failure to do so could result in enforcement action.
There are simple, legal alternatives available, including bulky waste collections, garden waste schemes, big bin schemes, and reuse options such as charities or online platforms.
All fly-tipping incidents are treated seriously and are fully investigated by the council’s enforcement teams. Where sufficient evidence is found, offenders can expect to face fines. With this campaign, councils across Leicestershire are reinforcing their commitment to stronger enforcement and tougher penalties for those responsible, sending a clear message that fly-tipping will not be tolerated in our communities.
Cllr Beverley Gray, Charnwood Borough Council’s Lead Member for Climate Action and Net Zero for said: “Fly-tipping is not only illegal but creates an eyesore in communities and is completely unnecessary.
“I am pleased we are working with other councils to raise awareness and highlight the impact of fly-tipping and how it can be prevented. This campaign will remind people that they have a responsibility to dispose of their waste safely and legally.
“If you are paying someone to dispose of your waste on your behalf, take the time to check if they are a registered waste carrier on the Environment Agency’s website.”
Residents have a responsibility to make sure their waste is disposed of properly and legally. Always check that anyone taking your waste away is a registered waste carrier – you can check online by using the link on the Council’s website at charnwood.gov.uk/dutyofcare.
You can also use a bulky items collection from the council for a small charge and more information can be found at charnwood.gov.uk/bulkywaste