NEW reforms are set to tighten the net on waste criminals with tougher sentences for those illegally dumping waste - after fly-tipping figures in Barnsley hit their highest level in a decade.
According to data from Barnsley Council, a total of 5,932 reports were logged in 2024/25 - higher than the previous year’s 5,220 and more than any annual total since 2015/16.
The cost of collecting and disposing of illegally-dumped waste rose sharply to £429,397 during the same period, an increase of more than £130,000 on the previous year.
In contrast, the council recorded its lowest fly-tipping spend of the past decade in 2022/23, when £276,045 was spent dealing with 4,597 reports.
As part of what is being described as a ‘major crackdown’ on waste criminals - underpinned by the government’s ‘Waste Crime Action Plan’ - laws being laid in Parliament will require waste handlers to prove they are qualified to transport waste.
Barnsley South MP Stephanie Peacock told the Chronicle: “The current registration system is broken and outdated, relying on a basic process with limited identity and background checks.
“This has been exploited by rogue operators with a poor track record of dumping waste and leaving a huge clean-up bill.
“If you pay someone to dispose of your waste, and they do so illegally, you can be charged for the crime.
“It is important therefore to familiarise yourself with what a legitimate waste carriers’ licence looks like, so that criminals cannot get away with dumping your rubbish without your consent.
“They will also need to display their permit number in advertising, including on their vans, making it easier for the public to report unlicensed operators.
“For those mishandling waste, they will now face up to five years in prison.
“Fly-tipping is a blight on communities like Barnsley but, fortunately, solving it is in everyone’s best interests.
“With the right support from government, and the right changes across the country, there is no reason we can’t put an end to this terrible practice.
“Barnsley residents have seen first-hand the damage done by rogue waste operators.
“Illegal dumping blights our communities, harms our environment and costs everyone money.
“These reforms send a clear message: if you want to handle waste in Barnsley South, you must prove you can do it properly.”
The new and tougher permit-based system will be brought into force in 2027 and requires waste handlers to undergo identity, criminal record and technical checks before receiving a permit.
It will also give the Environment Agency stronger powers to revoke permits and issue enforcement notices.
Waste Minister Mary Creagh added: “Waste criminals have abused the system for too long.
“Through our Waste Crime Action Plan, we’re introducing rigorous background checks for waste traders, shutting down corrupt operators and kicking them out of the industry for good.
“This is just one measure we’re introducing to stamp out waste crime, with law breakers now facing up to five years behind bars thanks to tougher penalties.
“By combining stronger digital checks with increased enforcement capacity, these reforms will drive criminal operators out of the sector and restore confidence that waste is being handled safely and legally.”
