Flytipping
Dumping waste is a serious criminal offence which can carry a fine of up to £20,000 and a prison sentence. It is important to realise that it is also an offence to permit flytipping.
If you arrange for waste to be removed, you should check the contractor has a duty of care notice which means they are legally authorised to dispose of rubbish.
The Council treats flytipping very seriously and will prosecute anyone caught dumping waste. In an effort to reduce the number of flytipping incidences, the Council provides a special refuse collection for large items
Vehicles are often used to dump waste. 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 Environmental Enforcement Team has the power to seize vehicles used in flytipping offences.
If you discover flytipped waste after the tippers have left, please follow these simple steps:
- Do not touch the waste: flytipped 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 offenders and lead to their prosecution.
If you see someone flytipping, please try to make a note of:
- the day, date and time you saw the tipping
- how many people were flytipping and what they looked like
- what they were actually doing
- any vehicles involved - their make, colour and registration number
Where you were when you saw the flytipping:
- 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
Page updated: 14 Feb 2008