Liverpool City Council is backing Fight Fly-Tipping Fortnight, a campaign running from 12–25 October 2026 in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy. The initiative warns residents about illegal waste traders who use professional-looking online adverts to disguise themselves as legitimate businesses before illegally dumping waste they have been paid to dispose of.
The council cleared 15,820 fly-tipping incidents in the past year, costing local taxpayers approximately £1 million. This money could have funded new bins, greenspace upgrades or additional street cleansing across the city instead.
How scammers operate
Rogue waste traders hide behind professional adverts, fake five-star reviews and tempting low prices on social media. These tactics make illegal operators difficult to distinguish from genuine waste disposal services. Residents who hire these traders risk having their rubbish illegally dumped on streets, fields and public spaces rather than disposed of responsibly.
Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene, said fly-tipping harms communities and the environment. "Our teams have dealt with rubbish being left near schools and cemeteries, as well as items such as fridges and mattresses being left on our streets," she said. "Not only does it cause health risks, but having to investigate and clear up after selfish individuals draws money and resources away from other vital services."
Three steps to protect yourself
Liverpool City Council is urging households to take three simple checks before handing over rubbish:
Ask for a waste carrier licence. Check the number on the Environment Agency's public register by calling 0300 065 3000. Check you will receive a receipt for the service.
To report fly-tipping incidents, residents can visit the Liverpool City Council website.