The Birmingham ward of Edgbaston has been identified as the area with the highest number of council callouts for fly-tipping during the first six months of 2026, with 104 recorded incidents. Data obtained through a Freedom of Information request reveals that Birmingham City Council responded to fly-tipping jobs across all 69 wards in the city, with Edgbaston topping the list.
Edgbaston leads with 104 callouts
Between January and June 2026, council teams were dispatched to Edgbaston 104 times to address illegally dumped waste. Other wards with high numbers include Alum Rock with 77 callouts, Longbridge and West Heath with 71, Aston with 63, and Handsworth Wood with 49. The figures highlight the scale of the problem across Birmingham, with many wards seeing dozens of incidents.
A total of 26 wards recorded exactly 26 callouts each, including areas such as Sutton Coldfield's various wards, Yardley, and Weoley & Selly Oak. The lowest numbers were seen in Allens Cross with 13 callouts, Castle Vale and Hall Green South with 14 each, and Highters Heath with 15.
Council crackdown and penalties
Fly-tipping is a criminal offence in the UK, carrying penalties of up to £50,000 in fines and possible imprisonment upon conviction. Birmingham City Council has been actively addressing the issue, with a recent Facebook post highlighting a “fly-tipping crackdown.” The post stated: “We’re taking action to keep our communities clean and protected. See fly-tipping? Report it and help us catch offenders.”
The council’s website outlines its approach: “We will investigate dumped rubbish and may serve a legal notice to landowners to clear rubbish that attracts or harbours vermin. Where we have sufficient evidence we will prosecute fly-tippers.” It also notes that removal from publicly owned land is prioritised based on location, risk, ease of removal, and available resources.
How to report fly-tipping
Residents are encouraged to report fly-tipping directly through the Birmingham City Council website, which features a dedicated reporting tool. The council emphasises that reports help them target offenders and clean up communities. The data from the FOI request provides a clear picture of where resources are most needed, with Edgbaston requiring the most attention in the first half of the year.
The council’s continued efforts aim to deter illegal dumping and ensure that public spaces remain clean and safe for all residents. With fines and potential jail time, the message is clear: fly-tipping will not be tolerated.
