Hillingdon Council is taking a hard line against fly-tippers, with vehicles used in illegal dumping now facing seizure and crushing.
Councillor Adam Bennett, Cabinet Member for Community, Environment & Enforcement, outlined the proactive steps being taken to combat the growing problem of fly-tipping during a recent Council meeting on Thursday, 24 September 2026.
Councillor Bennett stated that if a vehicle is used to commit environmental crime, its owner risks losing it. This firm stance aims to send a clear message to those who illegally dump waste in the borough.
The council will seize vehicles used for fly-tipping if there is sufficient evidence, such as video evidence showed it illegally dumping waste on a residential road in Iconum
.
Hillingdon Council has seen an increase in fly-tipping incidents, mirroring a national trend. DEFRA figures show a 16% increase in reported incidents across the UK from 2022-23 to 2024-25. Last year, 16,673 instances were reported in Hillingdon, with almost 10,000 so far this year.
In addition to vehicle seizure and crushing, individuals caught fly-tipping may face fines and prosecution. Councillor Bennett mentioned, We'll then share these images externally so the public can help us identify offenders, and particularly the dubious commercial operations who dump waste en masse. That will enable us as a local authority to fine and prosecute the perpetrators.
The council is also implementing measures to make it easier for residents to report incidents and to deter offenders. These include the rollout of the new Love Clean Streets
app, with 2,808 residents signed up as of the meeting. Targeted patrols and increased CCTV use are also part of the strategy.
More information on the council's environmental enforcement can be found in the public reports pack for the meeting on 24 September 2026: Public reports pack 24th Sep 2026 19.30 Council.