The dump detectives on the trail of the fly-tippers

Council investigators in North East Lincolnshire sift through fly-tipped rubbish for evidence that could identify those responsible. Their work matters because illegal dumping can harm communities and leave landowners or councils with the cost of clearing waste.

At a site near Grimsby, the team found numerous syringes and letters bearing names and addresses from outside the area. People who pass waste to an unlicensed carrier may be held responsible if it is dumped, while councils pay for removal from public land and private landowners pay for waste on their property. The Environment Agency estimates waste crime costs the public £1bn a year; proposed fly-tipping penalties include fines of up to £5,000, while Hull City Council sets a £1,000 penalty.