Newham Council spends more than any other borough in the country in cleaning up fly tipping, according to a national survey.

The research carried out by AnyJunk, the UK’s largest private bulk waste clearance company.

They found that Newham Council coughed up an estimated �2.5 million in 2010/11, almost double the next highest spender, Manchester City Council with �1.3 million.

A council spokesman said: “Newham Council will not tolerate flytipping and we will take tough action against those who dump rubbish in this anti-social way.

“Flytipping is a problem throughout the whole of London but we are actively combating the problem.

“Our team of Street Scene enforcement officers will issue fixed penalty notices to anyone they catch flytipping and we will prosecute those who do not pay.

“Newham residents have the right to live and work in a clean and safe environment and they have told us this is a priority.

“This is why we are investing in tackling this problem.”

Jason Mohr, founder and CEO of AnyJunk, said many councils were paying “over the odds” for clearing up fly tips and called for an urgent review of the conviction process, with a successful prosecution rate currently standing at less than one per cent.

Newham topped the AnyJunk fly tipping national shame league with an estimated 36,135 incidents.

The shocking figure equates to one fly tip per seven people among the borough’s 241,200 population, the highest rate in the country.

This is despite the council making it relatively easy for residents to dispose rubbish.

Measures introduced include wheelie bins for recycling and timed waste collections.

Free service

A free waste collection service is also available for residents for bulky items such as sofas and electrical goods.

Among other actions being tried are the introduction of Neighbourhood Improvements Zones, such as the one in Manor Park, which is aiming to improve the quality of live in the area including cleaner streets.

Residents can report flytipping to (020) 8430 2000.

AnyJunk found that offering free waste collection had little impact on fly tipping levels. The national study was based on figures provided following a Freedom of Information request.