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Refuse - fly tipping

The fly tipping of controlled waste is a serious criminal offence which carries a fine of up to £20,000 (unlimited if indicted to the Crown Court) or an offender can even be sent to prison. It is important to realise that it is also an offence to permit fly tipping.

Fly tipping is often associated with dumping waste from vehicles. In this case the person controlling the use of the vehicle can also be prosecuted, which means that it is possible for a prosecution to occur when only the vehicle, not the driver, is identifiable.

The Police also have the powers to seize vehicles used for fly tipping.

If you discover fly tipped waste after the tippers have left, please follow these simple Do's and Don't's:

  • Do not touch the waste: fly tipped waste can be dangerous - it may contain syringes, broken glass, asbestos, toxic chemicals or other hazardous substances.
  • Visually inspect the waste: try to determine what the waste consists of and how much there is.
  • Take note of its exact location: and also, whether it is in or near water.
  • Do not disturb the site: there may be evidence that could help identify the culprits and lead to their prosecution.

If You See Someone Fly tipping:

If possible, please make a note of:

  • the day, date and time you saw the tipping.

What you saw:

  • how many people were fly tipping and what they looked like
  • what they were actually doing
  • any vehicles involved - their make, colour and registration number

Where were you when you saw the fly tipping:

  • what kind of view you had
  • how far away you were
  • weather and light conditions

What was tipped:

  • how much?
  • what it looked like

Remember - Don't Put Yourself At Risk!

The Council will clear fly tipped waste from public land. If fly tipping occurs on private land, it is the responsibility of the landowner to remove the waste. Enforcement against fly tipping is shared between Craven District Council, and the Environment Agency, who investigate major incidents.

If you see any fly tipping, please contact Waste Management on 01756 700600, or email wastemanagement@cravendc.gov.uk