A major government crackdown on rural waste crime means that fly-tippers and rogue waste operators will now face vehicle seizures and crushing, and up to five years in prison.

The new rules have been prompted by the fact that in the year 2023 – 24, Kingston and North Westhamptonshire Councils carried out lots of vehicle seizures implicated in rural waste crime.

Under the new measures, Farmers Weekly writes, "more councils will be empowered to work with police to identify, seize, and destroy vehicles used in fly-tipping offences."

It added: "Drones and mobile CCTV will aid in tracking offenders, while a fast-tracked review aims to cut red tape that has so far limited the use of these powers.

"Announcing the new measures on Tuesday 29 April, Defra secretary Steve Reed said: 'Waste criminals and fly-tippers who blight our towns and villages have gone unpunished for too long.

"That ends today. I will not stand by while this avalanche of rubbish buries our communities.'

"The Environment Agency will also receive new resources, funded through waste permits, to tighten enforcement, revoke licences, and carry out identity and criminal record checks on operators – effectively shutting the door on rogue traders."

The new rules follow growing pressure from landowners, MPs and rural communities frustrated by the rise in waste crime.

A recent Country Land and Business Association (CLA) survey found 90% of members had been victims of fly-tipping in the past year, with nearly 40% experiencing six or more incidents.

More than 75% reported significant financial losses as a result.

Official figures from councils show there are more than 1.1million fly-tipping incidents each year in England, but the CLA believes the real number is much higher, as many cases on private land go unreported.

CLA president, Victoria Vyvian, said: "Rural communities have had enough.

"Fly-tipping isn't just a nuisance – it's a serious, organised crime problem, often involving violent gangs.

"Enforcement, including vehicle seizures, must be ramped up across all local authorities, not just a handful."

Data published by the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in February 2025 shows that fly-tipping in London has increased over the past decade,.

The figures reveal that reports of fly-tipping in Kingston have declined from 4,363 incidents reported in 2021/22 to 2,935 in 2023/24.