Free bulky waste collections to be launched in Peterborough in new campaign to tackle fly-tipping

A city-wide free bulky waste collection service is set to be provided by Peterborough City Council as part of its new campaign to target those who litter and carry out fly-tipping across the city.

The bulky waste collection is to be launched soon with plans for one free community bulky waste collection in each ward for the remainder of 2026/27 currently being developed.

The aim is to increase the free collections to two per year in each ward during 2027/28 with the council planning to announce updates to the scheme in the near future.

News of the service comes as the local authority launches a new campaign with the Peterborough Litter Wombles and Independent Review Committee groups, which will highlight how litter and fly-tipping damage the environment, harm wildlife and costs substantial money.

The campaign, which is being promoted on the council’s social media channels under the banner of Love Where You Live, will emphasise that everyone has a part to play in tackling the problem.

New website pages have been created, where the council will publish live fly-tipping appeals to gather evidence plus data detailing incidents across every council ward.

The council says it seeks to prosecute people for fly-tipping, often leading to offenders being fined in court. The council will now be regularly naming and shaming offenders, as well as publishing CCTV images and footage of culprits caught in the act.

The new pages also provide hints and tips for residents on using licensed waste carriers to avoid being fined themselves and correct ways to dispose of bulky or difficult waste.

What do the politicians say?

Councillor Chris Wiggin, the council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “It is a great frustration that fly-tipping and littering continue to be big problems across Peterborough, despite the dedicated efforts of our officers and volunteers to clean it up and raise awareness. I know that residents share our exasperation and want us to do all we can to tackle the problems.

“As part of this new campaign we are urging people to love where they live, which means taking personal responsibility for your environment and making the city a place where people can be proud to live and spend time.

“It’s now time to up the ante and put the pressure back on fly-tippers and litterers.

"I urge everyone to share the campaign’s messages on social media – and take heed that tackling fly-tipping and littering is everyone’s responsibility.

"As well as raising awareness of the problems, we will be highlighting the correct ways to get rid of waste and we need people’s help to spread the word.”

How has the council tackled fly-tipping?

In recent years the council has actively worked to tackle fly-tipping.

In 2024 the authority was awarded just under £50,000 by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) as part of a nationwide scheme to target fly-tipping hotspots.

The council used the funds to provide further cameras at hotspot locations to assist with collecting evidence to allow for enforcement actions.

The local authority has also recently increased Fixed Penalty Notices for fly-tipping offences to the maximum amount.