16 Jul 2026
Vans seized in Leeds fly-tipping crackdown
Two vans suspected of being used in fly-tipping offences have been seized by Leeds City Council as part of ongoing efforts to tackle environmental crime across the city.
The vehicles were confiscated this week following separate investigations led by the council’s specialist serious environmental crime team.
Both operations were carried out in the Harehills area with support from West Yorkshire Police, highlighting the strong partnership approach being taken to crack down on illegal waste dumping.
The vans are now being held while investigations continue, with the seizure sending a clear warning to those who believe they can profit from blighting Leeds communities with fly-tipped waste.
Under environmental legislation, councils have the power to seize vehicles suspected of being involved in fly-tipping and related offences.
These vehicles can be kept off the road for the duration of criminal investigations and, if unclaimed or ordered forfeit by the courts, may ultimately be sold or crushed. Any proceeds can then be reinvested into tackling further environmental crime and protecting neighbourhoods across Leeds.
Residents are also being reminded of their responsibility when arranging for waste to be removed from their homes. Anyone paying for waste disposal must ensure they use a legally registered waste carrier and take reasonable steps to confirm their rubbish is being disposed of correctly.
To help residents avoid rogue operators, Leeds City Council provides access to its Leeds Accredited Waste Carrier Scheme, which lists trusted and compliant waste carriers operating across the city. Those who hand their waste to unlicensed operators could face substantial fines if that waste is later found to have been fly-tipped.
To see the list of accredited businesses visit: What is the Leeds Accredited Waste Carrier Scheme? | What is the Leeds Accredited Waste Carrier Scheme? | Leeds Directory
Since its formation in 2022, Leeds City Council’s serious environmental crime team has built a strong track record of bringing offenders to justice, securing significant convictions and even custodial sentences for some of the city’s most persistent fly-tippers.
Leeds City Council executive member for environment Councillor James Gibson said: “The latest vehicle seizures demonstrate that Leeds is continuing to take robust action against environmental crime and targeting those responsible wherever they operate. We are grateful to all of our partners involved in these investigations, and hope these seizures send a clear message to fly-tippers - you will be found and prosecuted, we have zero tolerance for fly-tipping in Leeds.
“It’s also important to remind everyone in the city if you are looking to hire a company to take away your waste, you have a responsibility to check the company you are using are registered as waste carriers with the Environment Agency otherwise you may be liable to being prosecuted too.”
ENDS
For media enquiries contact:
Leeds City Council Communications team
communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk