The city's law enforcement department impounded 47 vehicles that were found dumping refuse in public spaces between July 2021 and March 2022, while the number of vehicles impounded between July 2022 and March 2023 shot up to 132 — an 181% increase.
Councillor JP Smith, the MMC for safety and security, said the fines issued for illegal dumping had increased from 3,898 to 10,599. He said the most dumped items include builders' rubble and general waste, but he said officers have noticed an increase in unusual items such as medical and animal waste.
“Illegal dumping is more than just an eyesore, it also presents health and safety risks to surrounding communities, and costs the city millions each year to clean up,” said Smith. “It is practised with great abandon, despite the many pleas to make use of available facilities. There is absolutely no justification for it, and the city condemns this type of behaviour.”