Data obtained by Keep Britain Tidy from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) reveals that between 2023 and 2024 there were 4,099 reported incidents of fly-tipping across the county – but only 19 prosecutions.
Ipswich saw the highest number of successful cases, with 16 prosecutions out of 1,220 reports.
East Suffolk secured one, West Suffolk two, and neither Mid Suffolk nor Babergh brought any offenders to court.
Councils did issue 251 warning letters, but campaigners say the figures highlight how much work still needs to be done.
“It makes my blood boil,” said Jason Alexander, Suffolk-based environmental campaigner and ambassador for Keep Britain Tidy.
Jason Alexander has spoken out on the fly-tipping in the county (Image: Jason Alexander)
“I see fly-tipping all the time when I’m out litter-picking. It’s frustrating and you see beautiful countryside ruined, sometimes it happens just next to a recycling centre.”
But Mr Alexander also urged people to understand the reasons behind the low prosecution rates.
“It’s not that councils don’t care,” he said.
“They often don’t have enough evidence to bring a case.
“There’s a high burden of proof, and pursuing prosecutions can cost more than the fines themselves, at a time when councils are already under huge financial pressure.”
Fly-tipping in Doctor Watson’s Lane, Kesgrave (Image: Lucy Taylor)
Instead, he said, prevention is key.
Keep Britain Tidy’s current campaign urges residents to check that anyone removing waste holds a valid waste carrier licence, to get a receipt, and to report illegal dumping.
“At the end of the day,” said Mr Alexander, “we all share responsibility for where we live.”
Councillor John Cook, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Sport at Ipswich Borough Council, said: “There is a national issue with rubbish being dumped illegally.
“In many instances, I believe this is a deliberate act by selfish people who do not care about our community.
“We work hard to find out who has created this unpleasant mess and if we find enough evidence, we take enforcement action.”
Councillor John Cook spoke on the fly-tipping across the county (Image: Newsquest)
Babergh and Mid Suffolk areas reported 388 and 399 incidents during the reporting period, the lowest totals out of the Suffolk boroughs.
A spokeswoman on behalf of Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council said: “Fly tipping is a criminal offence and one that we take extremely seriously, with our teams always investigating reported incidents before clearance.
“However, we need sufficient evidence in order for us to take further action.
“That’s why we urge anyone witnessing fly tipping to make a note of the date and time, the location, type of waste being fly tipped and to report it to their local council as soon as possible.
“This can be done via our websites here if in our districts.”