Thousands spent clearing fly-tipping as costs rise

Rotherham Council has spent more than £175,000 clearing fly-tipping and public waste since 2024, according to council figures released through a Freedom of Information request.

The council spent £175,548 between 2024 and 2026. Costs increased significantly year-on-year, rising from £78,973 in 2024/25 to £96,575 in 2025/26 — an increase of almost £20,000.

Worst affected areas

Central Rotherham was the most expensive area to clean up, with £76,035.45 spent over the two-year period. Areas within central Rotherham include Eastwood.

Enforcement action

Since 2019, Rotherham Council has issued 762 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to fly-tipping offenders across the borough. In 2026 alone, 26 FPNs have been issued so far.

A total of £27,750 has been collected in FPN fines since 2024.

Pattern of offences

Figures from 2024 show that Rotherham East ward accounted for almost a third of all fly-tipping offences in the borough, with 2,071 cases recorded in that ward.