Flytipping

Flytipping is the illegal dumping of waste on land that doesn’t have a licence to receive it. Waste can only be deposited at officially authorised sites.

Local authorities treat flytipping very seriously and will usually prosecute anyone caught. If you are caught flytipping you can be fined up to £50,000 and/or sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. If a vehicle is used to flytip waste both the driver and the owner can be prosecuted and the vehicle can be seized.

How do I report flytipping 

If you see someone flytipping or would like to report an area where flytipping has taken place, take note of:

• the date, time and place of the occurrence;
• what the waste looks like and how much of it there is;
• a description of any vehicles involved and the vehicle registration number;
• a description of the people doing the fly-tipping.

Do not

• touch the waste, it may contain syringes, toxic chemicals or other hazardous substances
• disturb the site, there may be evidence that could help identify the fly-tippers and lead to their prosecution. 
• approach anyone you see flytipping and only approach the site if you feel it is safe to do so. 

You can report flytipping by completing the online flytipping report form or by contacting the Neighbourhood Enforcement Team on 01753 875255.

What happens next

Where enough evidence is gathered the council will take formal action against the person responsible for the flytipping and will be keen to use your evidence in court if necessary. 

Flytipping on private land

Flytipping on private land (e.g. in a front/rear garden) is the responsibility of the owner/occupier to remove and dispose of properly. The council will take formal action against the owner/occupier of the land if a flytip is not removed and it presents a risk to public health.