Sandwell Council has warned would be fly-tippers that they will be pursued in the courts.
The latest warning comes after an individual accused of fly tipping failed to attend court to answer charges relating to illegally dumped waste and was issued with a warrant for their arrest.
The case relates to a fly-tipping offence committed in 2025 after the individual failed to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice issued by the council.
The episode highlights the Council’s determination to pursue all cases it has evidence for in the courts which could mean perpetrators face a fine and even a criminal conviction.
The latest development comes as Sandwell Council intensifies its efforts to tackle environmental crime across the borough, including ongoing enforcement activity at known fly-tipping hotspots such as Forge Lane and Park Lane, where council teams have recently removed significant quantities of illegally dumped waste and gathered evidence to support prosecutions.
Councillor Bob Jones, Sandwell Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement, said:
"Sandwell is demonstrating that one by one we will start turning the tide against fly-tippers."
"We will not shy away from taking legal action against those who blight our neighbourhoods through fly-tipping. If people ignore Fixed Penalty Notices, fail to engage with the legal process or refuse to take responsibility for their actions, we will continue to pursue them through the courts."
"We have already identified a number of individuals through evidence recovered from fly-tipped waste and a range of investigations are continuing. We are determined to hold those responsible to account and show the rest of the country how serious we are about tackling this issue."
Council officers stress that tackling fly-tipping is about more than simply removing rubbish. Waste is routinely examined for evidence that can identify those responsible for dumping it, as well as individuals who may have failed in their duty of care when arranging for waste to be removed.
The council is also increasing surveillance at known fly-tipping hotspots and continues to work with partner organisations to investigate potential offences and protect local communities from environmental crime.
Residents are reminded to ensure that anyone removing waste on their behalf is properly authorised and holds a valid waste carrier licence. Failing to check can result in waste being dumped illegally and may leave householders liable for enforcement action.
Anyone who witnesses fly-tipping or discovers illegally dumped waste can report it using Sandwell Council's online reporting form or by calling 0121 569 7474.