Fly-tippers in Somerset could soon find their vans crushed and themselves behind bars, as the government launches a major crackdown on rural waste crime.

Under new rules announced on Tuesday 29 April, local councils – including Somerset – will be given more powers to work with police to seize, destroy and remove vehicles used in fly-tipping and other waste-related offences.

Defra secretary Steve Reed didn't mince his words, saying: "Waste criminals and fly-tippers who blight our towns and villages have gone unpunished for too long. That ends today. I will not stand by while this avalanche of rubbish buries our communities."

New measures will also see drones and mobile CCTV used to track down offenders, while red tape limiting council powers will be stripped back. The Environment Agency will receive new resources to carry out enforcement, licence checks, and identity verification of waste operators – moves designed to slam the door on rogue traders.

The news follows growing pressure from rural communities and landowners who are fed up with repeated incidents and mounting clean-up bills.

A recent survey by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) found that 90% of its members had been victims of fly-tipping in the past year, with nearly 40% reporting six or more incidents. More than three-quarters suffered significant financial losses.

CLA president Victoria Vyvian said: "Rural communities have had enough. Fly-tipping isn't just a nuisance – it's a serious, organised crime problem, often involving violent gangs. Enforcement, including vehicle seizures, must be ramped up across all local authorities, not just a handful."

And Somerset is far from immune.

In 2023–24, Somerset recorded 4,230 fly-tipping incidents, with nearly 2,800 taking place on public highways. Agricultural land, private property and council-owned sites were also routinely targeted. The total cost of clearances for the year is estimated to be more than £580,000.

Items dumped included black bin bags, tyres, household appliances, white goods, building materials and even asbestos.

With an estimated 7.3 incidents per 1,000 people in Somerset, the county remains a hotspot for fly-tipping – despite repeated public warnings and clear-up campaigns.

Now, with national backing and tougher enforcement on the table, local councils are being urged to step up their efforts to tackle offenders head-on.

If you've spotted fly-tipping in your area, you can report it via Somerset Council's website.