Littering, dog fouling, fly-tipping, and the illegal dumping of black bags in alleyways negatively impact our environment, tarnishing the appearance of our communities and contributing to antisocial behaviour. These issues harm wildlife, create flood risks in waterways, and pose dangers to both children and adults.
To address these concerns, local authorities have been granted powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, and the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. These laws allow councils to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to individuals caught committing environmental offences, providing an alternative to prosecution.
Currently, around 30% of UK councils have outsourced enforcement to private companies, resulting in cleaner public spaces, a reduction in waste-related issues, and a decline in antisocial behaviour. This approach has significantly improved the overall appearance and quality of life in local communities.