Report fly-tipping
Fly-tipping is the dumping of rubbish on private or Council owned land without permission, or rubbish dumped on land where the owners do not have a Waste Management Licence.
We aim to remove fly-tipped items from Council owned land within five working days or one working day where the offence causes an obstruction or is considered dangerous. We treat fly-tipping very seriously and anyone caught will be prosecuted.
Please note: alleyways are not Council-owned and are the responsibility of the people whose properties have access to the alleyway.
If you discover fly-tipped waste please follow these simple do's and don'ts:
- Do not touch the waste: please be aware that some waste is dangerous and may contain sharp objects, and hazardous materials like asbestos or chemicals.
- Do not open any black bags, boxes or containers.
- Visually inspect the waste: try to determine what the waste consists of and how much there is.
- Take note of its exact location, or the nearest landmark. what3words is a really quick and simple way to find, share and save exact locations.
- Do not disturb the site: there may be evidence that could help identify the culprits and lead to their prosecution.
- Please do not remove anything from the fly-tip site. It is vital that all the evidence is left at the site for council officers to investigate. If any evidence is removed, it could damage any potential prosecution case taken by the council.
If you see someone fly-tipping we need your help to take that person to task and to try and put a stop to this sort of illegal activity. If you do see something, the information on what you've seen can help us catch the culprit.
But it is important to remember that fly-tippers are committing a crime and they do not want to be caught. Please do not approach them.
The following types of information could be a big help in us tracing the offenders and possibly taking legal action against them.
- The day, date and time of the incident you saw.
- Make, model, colour and registration number of vehicle involved, and any company details on the vehicle.
- Details of what was being fly-tipped e.g. household waste, garden rubbish, broken furniture, white goods.
- How much was dumped, e.g. black sacks, contents of a car boot, van load?
- How many people were involved and what they looked like.
- Please do not put yourself at any risk if you witness an incident. Your personal safety is always more important than anything else.
Witnessed fly tipping? (send us information/photos or footage of flytipping)
Bulky waste collection
We provide a bulky waste collection for larger and/or bulky items.
How to ensure your waste is disposed of correctly
Tips for using a waste carrier to dispose of your waste:
Use the S.C.R.A.P code when arranging for someone to collect waste from your home:
- Suspect – beware of rogue waste carriers. Reputable companies do not usually make direct approaches. If in any doubt, do not allow them to take your waste.
- Check – ask for their waste carrier registration details, and verify them either by checking the online register or by calling (03708) 506 506. Note down the registration number of the vehicle used to take your waste away, just in case.
- Refuse – refuse unsolicited offers to have any rubbish taken away. Always carry out your own research and choose who you wish to approach.
- Ask – always ask what exactly is going to happen to your rubbish and seek evidence that it is going to be disposed of appropriately. A legitimate, professional waste carrier who wants your business should not object to being asked reasonable questions.
- Paperwork – make sure you get a proper receipt containing the written information for your waste. This should include what has been removed and where it will be going. Make sure the company or tradesperson’s details are included.
Penalties
Fly-tipping
Fly-tipping is an offence. The fly-tipping of controlled waste is a serious criminal offence which carries a fine of up to £50,000 (unlimited if dealt with at Crown Court) or an offender may face a prison sentence.
Permitting fly-tipping
It is also an offence to allow fly-tipping. Householders have a Duty of Care to take reasonable measures to make sure their waste is disposed of correctly. Failure to do so could lead to a fine of up to £5,000.
Vehicles used in fly-tipping
Fly-tipping often involves waste being dumped from vehicles. In this case, the person controlling the use of the vehicle can also be prosecuted. This means we can take action even if we can't identify the driver. We also have the power to seize vehicles used for fly-tipping.
How to avoid your rubbish being flytipped
Businesses
Businesses must follow their duty of care and use other authorised methods of disposal – guidance can be found at GOV.UK