We treat this problem very seriously and will prosecute anyone caught fly-tipping waste. If you see someone fly tipping, please report it to us.

What is fly-tipping?

Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste. Fly-tipped waste can range from a single black bag to several lorry loads of dumped waste.

The fly-tipping of controlled waste is a serious criminal offence which carries a fine of up to £50,000 (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.

Why is fly-tipping a problem?

• Dumped rubbish looks unsightly and affects the appearance of the area.

• It costs thousands of pounds to investigate and clear up fly-tipped waste.

• Fly tipped material may be dangerous to humans, wildlife and the natural environment.

What can I do to prevent fly-tipping?

• Please ensure that any waste your household generates is disposed of correctly and legally. We are able to offer householders a special refuse collection for large items such as fridges and furniture.

• Don't employ people to take away rubbish unless you are sure they are legitimate businesses. All proper businesses collecting waste should have a Waste Carriers Licence. To see if a waste carrier is licensed, you can either phone 03708 506 506 or check online at the public register page of the Environment Agency's web site

• A large amount of your household waste could be recycled from your home; check your collection calendar for items accepted in our green and blue bin schemes

• Take your household waste and items for recycling to the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) to get rid of it free of charge

If you fly tip your waste you could be fined up to £50,000

What do I do if I find some fly-tipped waste?

If you discover fly-tipped waste after the tippers have left, please follow these simple dos and don'ts:

• 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.

• Report any fly-tipping you see by contacting us. 

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!

We will examine all fly-tipped rubbish for evidence, and when the evidence is good enough we will always take action in line with our enforcement policy.