THOUSANDS of fly-tipping incidents were recorded across Reading in a year, new figures show.
Figures provided by Reading Borough Council reveal 2,229 incidents were reported across the borough between 2024 and 2025, highlighting the scale of the ongoing battle against illegally dumped waste.
A freedom of information request by The Chronicle also identifies the roads and locations that have seen the highest number of fly-tipping reports since January 2024.
Oxford Road was the borough's biggest fly-tipping hotspot, with 1,337 incidents recorded between January 1, 2024 and October 16, 2026.
It was followed by Elm Park Road, where 340 incidents were logged, while Connaught Road saw 286 reports.
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Prince of Wales Avenue recorded 266 incidents and Valentia Road rounded out the top five with 206 incidents.
The five worst-affected locations were:
- Oxford Road – 1,337 incidents
- Elm Park Road – 340 incidents
- Connaught Road – 286 incidents
- Prince of Wales Avenue – 266 incidents
- Valentia Road – 206 incidents
Council data shows that from 2024 to 2025, there were about 12 incidents of fly tipping per 1,000 people.
Of those, 988 occurred on highways and 697 on footpaths or bridleways. Household waste was the most common material dumped, accounting for 1,167 incidents, while black bags of household rubbish were linked to a further 557 cases.
A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said fly-tipping remains a priority for the authority and that enforcement action is taken wherever possible.
They said: "Fly-tipping remains a priority issue for the Council, and we take a proactive approach to both clearing reported incidents and taking enforcement action wherever sufficient evidence is available.
"The council works in partnership with Kingdom Local Authority Support, which provides five dedicated Environmental Enforcement Officers. Four officers patrol known environmental crime hotspots across Reading, acting as a visible deterrent and investigating reported offences.
"A fifth officer works alongside the council's mobile cleansing team, gathering evidence where possible to identify those responsible for waste left at community recycling facilities before it is cleared."
The council said it is also planning to strengthen its response to environmental crime when a new Environmental Enforcement Partnership begins in March 2027.
Under the new contract, mobile CCTV cameras will be introduced to help target fly-tipping hotspots across the borough, aid investigations and deter offenders.
The spokesperson added: "Through a combination of enforcement, targeted patrols across the borough, prompt investigation of reported incidents and continued investment in new technology, the council will continue to take robust action against fly-tipping and help keep our neighbourhoods clean, safe and welcoming."
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