Fly Tipping

What is Fly Tipping?

Fly Tipping is the "illegal deposit of any waste on to land that has no licence to accept waste."

Waste includes: general household waste, larger domestic items e.g. fridges, mattresses etc, garden refuse, commercial waste e.g. builders rubble, clinical waste and tyres.

It is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to fly tip any material. Conviction could lead to a heavy fine.

Remember - if you are asking a third party e.g. a builder or contractor to dispose of waste on your behalf, you should ensure they are a registered waste carrier. You are responsible for checking they are registered, so always ask to see their certificate. Always get a receipt confirming what they have taken and where they have disposed of it and details of any payment made

What the public can do to help

Fly tipping is illegal and dangerous, it can ruin the appearance of an area and bring down the neighbourhood.

If you report it, the rubbish can be removed and with your help the crime can be investigated.

The Council may wish to prosecute the person fly tipping and will be keen to use your evidence in court. Even if you do not wish to be a witness, it is still important to report these crimes. Help beat environmental crime by making sure it is always reported.

Fly tippers are doing something illegal. They do not want to be caught. You should not approach them. Only approach the site when you are sure it safe to do so.

Some waste is hazardous. Do not touch anything, you should not approach the waste or open any bags or containers.