Police and Council join forces to tackle fly tipping in Cornwall
More than 3,600 incidents were reported last year, prompting a campaign to protect the county’s countryside.
Last updated 18th Nov 2025
Devon & Cornwall Police are working with Cornwall Council, the Environment Agency and Clean Cornwall to crack down on fly‑tipping across the county.
In 2023/24, Cornwall Council recorded 3,655 incidents of illegal dumping on public roads, land and rivers. Fly‑tipping has links to organised crime, damages wildlife habitats, pollutes waterways and costs the UK an estimated £1 billion every year.
Earlier this month, a fake fly‑tip using real waste was set up at Golitha Falls near Liskeard. The event aimed to start conversations with passers‑by about the dangers of dumping rubbish and how easy it is to report it.
Rural Affairs Officer PC Clarke Orchard said: “Not only is fly‑tipping an eyesore, but with it comes a wealth of environmental consequences and financial implications; all of which cause harm in our communities. This is a selfish offence and one that blights our beautiful landscape and countryside.”
Sarah‑Jane Brown, Group Leader for Community Protection at Cornwall Council, added: “Fly‑tipping causes significant harm in rural communities. Dumped waste can damage wildlife habitats, pollute waterways, and harm livestock. It also blights the countryside, spoiling Cornwall’s natural beauty and creating costly and time‑consuming clean‑ups for landowners and the Council.”
The Environment Agency reminded residents to use registered waste carriers when disposing of unwanted items. If rubbish ends up fly‑tipped, householders could face fines or prosecution.
Devon and Cornwall Police are urging the public to play their part in tackling fly‑tipping.
Anyone with information about those responsible should contact their local authority. Large‑scale dumping can be reported directly to the Environment Agency via its 24‑hour hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Police should be called on 999 if waste is obstructing a road or if a fly‑tipping offence is in progress.
Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org..
Officers say everyone has a role to play in keeping Cornwall clean and safe, whether by disposing of waste responsibly or reporting incidents when they occur.