Solutions to Fly-tipping

A behavioural science approach

A behavioural science approach to reducing fly-tipping

As a local authority, tackling fly-tipping often feels like a lose-lose situation.

  • If you leave dumped waste in place, the “broken window” effect kicks in—people see rubbish and add more to it.

  • If you remove it quickly, residents assume bulky waste collection is free and stop using official disposal services.

  • Rapid removals can also hinder enforcement, limiting your ability to gather evidence for prosecutions.

So, how can you break free from this cycle and reduce fly-tipping incidents while increasing successful prosecutions?

The Fly-tipping Solutions Guide

In 2023–24, the RECAP Waste Partnership commissioned research and a practical solutions guide to help enforcement officers tackle household waste fly-tipping.

The focus? Black bags, bulky waste, and Duty of Care issues (excluding professional fly-tippers).

The guide provides tested solutions across:

  • Enforcement strategies

  • Street infrastructure

  • Communications & engagement

  • Services & community events

Each solution is categorised from "quick and cheap" to "proceed with caution," with behavioural science insights explaining why they work.

The guide also includes campaign frameworks to help you develop targeted interventions.

The executive summary is available to download which includes:

  • The reasons why people fly-tip

  • The barriers to legitimate disposal

  • A quick-reference chart of effective initiatives

Download the guide for free

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Engaging your team to take new approaches

Do you know what needs to change but face barriers to action?

Are you stuck repeating the same interventions with limited impact?

Would you like your enforcement officers, comms teams, and elected members to explore new, evidence-based strategies?

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