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Fly tipping

What is fly-tipping

Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of rubbish or bulky items on land that is not licensed to receive it. By this we mean land that it is not suitable to dispose of waste on. Fly-tipping waste can be found anywhere, such as roadsides, in lay-bys or on private land.

What is the difference between fly-tipping and littering

Generally, the difference between fly-tipping and littering centres on the quantity and type of items being deposited. For example fly-tipped items tend to be in larger quantities or as bulky single items such as fridges, mattresses and sofa’s. Where as littered items tend to be in much smaller quantities such as sweet wrappers and cigarette ends.

How can I report fly-tipping?

Any fly-tipping on public land can be reported to the Council's Enforcement Team:

The type of information which will help our investigation includes:

  • Location
  • Date & time fly-tipping occurred
  • Description of fly-tipped waste
  • Identity of alleged offender (address and if possible name)
  • Vehicle registration details (you may have witnessed an alleged offender dumping waste from a vehicle)

Plus any other information you consider to be helpful and may lead to the prosecution of offenders.

What if there are illegal items within the fly-tipping?

In the first instance, you would need to call The Police on 101 to notify them of the issue. When you have received a crime reference number from The Police, you can then call the Council to notify us of this issue. The Council will then liaise with The Police regarding the matter.

What if I actually see the fly-tipping taking place?

It is important you do not approach the individual/s undertaking the fly-tipping. Firstly call the Police on 101 to advise them this is happening.

Then if it is safe to do so, take down as much information regarding the culprit as you can. For example the registration number, car make/model, and a detailed description of the offender/s. If it is safe to do so, you may feel it is necessary to obtain a photograph or video of the fly-tipping happening.

What are the consequences of fly-tipping?

Fly-tipping is an offence under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. If you are caught fly-tipping, or evidence which relates to your address is found within the fly-tipping itself, you will be issued with a £400 Fixed Penalty Notice. You could also face an unlimited fine and up to 5 years in prison if the case proceeds to Court.

What can I do if someone has fly-tipped on my land?

The Council is unable to deal with any fly-tipping on private land. Unfortunately it remains the responsibility of the land owner to remove the fly-tipped items. However there are other agencies available, such as The Police or the Environment Agency, who will assist with bringing the culprits to account.

Where can I dispose my waste as a Householder?

If you are having a new kitchen or bathroom, take a moment to think about how you are going to dispose of the waste before you get started. You could hire a skip or alternatively take your waste to the tip and recycling centre.

If you employ a company, make sure they are disposing of the waste correctly. By law householders are responsible for checking that contractors are correctly disposing of waste. Ask to see a waste transfer certificate/license. Check the company is registered on the Environment Agency’s Public Register. If you are a householder, you are required to take reasonable steps to check that people removing waste from your premises are authorised to do so.

Where can I dispose my waste as a Business?

Waste produced as a result of business activity is classed as controlled waste. You are therefore legally responsible for making sure that it is disposed of correctly. For further information on what to do with your waste visit: www.gov.uk/browse/business/waste-environment This site has specific guidance on what to do with your waste based on the type of business you run.

If you pay for a trade waste collection make sure that your waste is collected by a registered Waste Carrier. To check whether a company is registered, please consult the Environment Agency’s Public Registers.