The UK government has confirmed that new regulations will increase fines for littering and fly-tipping in England starting 1 September 2026. The Environmental Offences (Fixed Penalties) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/816) will raise the maximum fixed penalty for littering from £500 to £750, and for fly-tipping from £1,000 to £1,500.
These changes, which apply to England only, were announced in July before Sir Keir Starmer was replaced as Prime Minister. Andy Burnham, the Labour Party leader and MP for Makerfield, has now succeeded Sir Keir and will oversee the implementation of these measures.
Increased Penalties and Government Stance
In addition to the fixed penalty increases, the new legislation will also raise the maximum fine for fly-tipping waste to £5,000, a 400% increase from the previous £1,000 level. The top fine for street littering will rise by 50% to £750, according to a government press release.
The government states that it hopes “the increased fines will act as a stronger deterrent and help reduce cases of littering and fly-tipping.” Local authorities will be empowered to impose harsher penalties, reflecting the real harm that waste criminals cause to communities and the environment they “ruthlessly disregard.”
Official Reaction and Enforcement Efforts
Labour Party Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds commented: “Fly-tipping and littering is a disgrace that blights local communities. Under this government, criminals who break the rules will face heftier fines to clean up the mess they make. We are sending a clear message to those who dump their rubbish - we are coming after you and you will pay the price.”
Between July 2024 and the end of 2025, the Environment Agency intervened at 1,205 illegal waste sites, stopping dumping or bringing sites into compliance. During the same period, they secured 122 prosecutions, resulting in 10 immediate custodial sentences.
Broader Crackdown on Waste Crime
The Environment Agency has also published details of a tougher operational approach to waste crime, committing to act earlier, faster, and smarter across the entire waste supply chain. These measures aim to reduce the environmental and community damage caused by illegal waste activities.
