Press Release
For immediate release

CIWM Board Member Anna Willetts Features on Sky News to Address Escalating Issue of Fly-Tipping

CIWM Board Member, Anna Willetts, was prominently featured in a recent Sky News investigation titled 'Dirty work: The fly-tippers turning trash into cash,' which aired today (Wednesday 9 July 2025). In the report, Dr Willetts emphasised the significant challenges faced by enforcement agencies in tackling the pervasive issue of fly-tipping across the UK. She also highlighted the urgent need for more robust and coordinated efforts to combat this growing environmental crime.

This Sky News Breakfast piece exposed the illicit activities of criminal gangs profiting from illegal waste dumping, illustrating how individuals posing as legitimate waste collectors are instead abandoning vast quantities of refuse in rural areas, leaving landowners with substantial clean-up costs. The investigation highlighted alarming statistics, including a 6% rise in fly-tipping incidents last year, alongside a 5% drop in fixed penalty notices issued, and an average court fine of just £530 – figures that Dr Willetts described as "not a deterrent" for those making significant profits from this illegal trade.

Commenting on the Sky News report, Dr Anna Willetts emphasised the critical need for improved enforcement. "It's difficult often for regulators to catch them, and then when they are caught, penalties are - the way they're meted out, if you like, if they're not done the right way - are low, and it's not a deterrent for them," she stated in the Sky News piece, highlighting the disparity between the ease with which Sky News gathered evidence and the challenges faced by authorities.

CIWM stands against fly-tipping as a serious waste crime with significant environmental, social, and economic consequences. Dan Cooke, Director of Policy, Communications and External Affairs at CIWM, states: "Great work by Sky News in covering this important issue. Illegal dumping causes misery and anxiety for those affected and significant costs to businesses and the public purse. 

"Fly-tipping is waste crime and we applaud the local authorities, the Environment Agency and their partners that are taking concerted action. Effective enforcement needs greater resourcing, including for improved information and awareness, and a coordinated effort by relevant agencies to reduce and minimise the risk of further escalation.

"Waste producers also have a duty of care and need to check that their waste  contractors are legitimate operators."

Dan continues: "CIWM continues to work with partners to provide training and share best practice in maintaining high standards and responsible waste management, and to highlight how we can all play a part by being vigilant against the scourge of the fly-tippers and the environmental, social and economic damage they cause."

CIWM calls on governments, enforcement agencies, and local authorities to collaborate more effectively to address the escalating fly-tipping crisis. This includes prosecutors ensuring Courts effectively impose penalties on defendants to deter criminal activity, and ensuring that legitimate waste carriers are easily identifiable to the public. Members of the public and businesses should ensure they only use licensed waste carriers and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.

ENDS


Notes to Editors

Press contact:

Kacie Foskett, Brand Marketing & Communications Manager
T: +44 (0) 1604 620426
E: kacie.foskett@ciwm.co.uk