Sefton Council has increased its efforts to stop illegal waste dumping in Bootle, Merseyside, by doubling the number of enforcement officers and raising fines. The local authority is taking a tougher stance on fly-tipping to keep residential streets and alleyways clean for the community.
The Sefton Council Environmental Enforcement Team has doubled in size to carry out more patrols and investigations across the borough. In the weeks leading up to 17 March 2026, the team issued seven fines and secured one successful prosecution for waste-related offences.
As part of the new measures, the maximum fine for fly-tipping has risen from £400 to £1,000. Peter Harvey, the Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Street Scene, said the council is using a no-nonsense approach to hold people accountable for damaging the local environment.
Recent enforcement in Bootle included a £750 fine issued specifically for dumping waste in an alleyway on Lunt Road. The council is also taking legal action against those who refuse to pay, such as Jack Hazlett from Litherland, who was recently prosecuted for fly-tipping offences.
Residents are being encouraged to use official reporting tools to help officers identify and clear illegal waste hotspots. The initiative aims to address long-standing concerns about rubbish being left in public spaces and shared residential areas.
