A CRACKDOWN on fly-tipping across Dorset has led to a sharp rise in fines with council chiefs warning offenders they are being watched.

Dorset Council issued 80 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for waste-related offences in 2025 – almost double the number handed out the previous year.

Fly-tipping, which includes dumping anything from garden waste to commercial rubbish on unauthorised land, continues to be a growing frustration for residents.

The council says every reported incident is investigated, with enforcement action stepping up significantly over the past year.

The latest figures show 33 fines were issued specifically for fly-tipping, up from 18 in 2024.

Others were given to householders and businesses who failed to produce the correct documentation when disposing of waste, such as Waste Transfer Notes or a valid Waste Carrier Licence.

Enforcement has not stopped at fines.

Officers also seized 11 vehicles suspected of being linked to waste crime, with five later destroyed following investigations. One major case involving multiple offences is still awaiting a court hearing.

Cabinet member for place services Cllr Jon Andrews said: “Fly tipping causes real frustration for our residents and damages our natural environment. These figures show that we are taking firm, fair and consistent action against those who break the rules.

“Most people dispose of their waste responsibly, and we want them to feel confident that we are tackling the small number of people who do not.

“We will continue working with communities, landowners and partners to crack down on offenders and make it easier for people to do the right thing with their waste.”

Residents are being urged to play their part by reporting incidents as soon as possible and ensuring anyone they hire to remove rubbish is properly licensed.

With enforcement ramping up and penalties increasing, the message from the council is clear: dumping waste illegally in Dorset could cost you far more than doing the right thing.