Westminster Council to use AI to tackle fly-tipping - what are the laws around disposing of waste

Westminster Council has come up with an innovative way of tackle fly-tipping, with cameras equipped with AI technology to be used to catch perpetrators.

The local authority announced it would be using the cameras in three hotspots for the antisocial behaviour.

The cameras will be able to automatically recognise fly-tipping, note the drivers’ registration plate and send this information on to City Inspectors.

If the AI has successfully caught a fly-tipper, inspectors will request the driver’s information from the DVLA so they can act on the offence.

Low-level offenders are generally handed fixed penalty notices, with repeat offenders and those commercially involved in waste disposal often facing criminal proceedings.

People should also be aware that the registered owner of a vehicle is liable for conviction if it is used for a fly-tipping offence.

How much fly-tipping takes place in London?

London is the fly-tipping capital of England, with 46 offences being committed for every 1,000 residents in 2021/22. This compares with 27 incidents for every 1,000 people in the North West, and 17 per 1,000 in the North East.

Fly-tipping is steadily on the increase across the country, with 942,000 incidents in 2015/16 being reported compared with a peak of 1.14m for 2020/21, according to data on the Defra site.

How are other councils tackling fly-tipping?

Many councils are coming up with interesting methods to tackle fly-tipping in their area. Harrow Council, like Westminster, will install cameras in the hope of catching more perpetrators – although these won’t be equipped with AI technology.

Councils in Redbridge, Merton and Brent have all set up “walls of shame” where they upload images of fly-tippers in a hope of identifying them.

Brent Councillor Krupa Sheth has said that the campaign has helped target “selfish” fly-tippers and led to a "a 75% decrease in fly-tipping in hotspot areas".

The local authority in Barnet launched a free community skip service late last year, which has already been used by 3,071.

The scheme allows households in the catchment area to get rid of up to three large items for free, and is available to each household once every three months.

What to do if you’re got bulky waste?

Many councils will pick up bulky waste such as sofas and white goods, but check with your local authority in good time before you need to get rid of it. Many also will collect garden waste, but this can be taken to local composting tips or alternatively compost at home.

If you’re getting building work done, it’s important to check that any waste that needs to be cleared is disposed of properly. You can ask to see their certification as a registered waste carrier if you’re unsure or check with the Environment Agency.