Waste disposal
Flytipping
What is fly tipping?
Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of rubbish or bulky items on land that is not licensed to receive it. By this we mean land that it is not suitable to dispose of waste on. Fly-tipped waste can be found anywhere, such as roadsides, in lay-bys or on private land.
A wide variety of wastes are fly-tipped. These include rubbish, large domestic items, such as fridges and mattresses, garden waste, tyres and clinical waste. Large amounts of waste from construction, demolition and excavation activities are also dumped.
Why is fly tipping illegal?
Fly-tipping can be dangerous. Dumping waste can be hazardous to the public; especially when the waste consists of drums of toxic material, asbestos sheeting or syringes. Fly tipping can also pollute surrounding land and waterways, damage wildlife and ecosystems and costs the council tax payer significant amounts of money to clear away.
In the UK, waste is disposed of under laws that impose a duty on producers and transporters of waste to ensure that all waste is disposed of properly. Only holders of a Waste Management License can recover, transport, deposit or dispose of waste. Waste can be deposited only at officially authorised sites. Fly-tipping is illegal. Anyone caught fly-tipping waste is committing a serious offence.
Why do people fly tip?
Most people fly-tip to avoid paying the disposal fee called the landfill tax. Household rubbish is already paid for through council tax, but other waste is not, and a charge is generally made to have this waste collected or to drop the waste off at a licensed site yourself.
What is the law regarding fly-tipping?
There are several pieces of legislation relating to fly-tipping. In England, Wales and Scotland, the main legislation is the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA 1990), Sections 33, 34 and 59. However, the recent Clean Neighbourhoods Act 2005 also makes some extra provision for tackling fly tipping.
The following punishments can apply:
Fly-tipping fines are up to £50,000 and/or 12 months' imprisonment in a Magistrates Court. If the case goes to the Crown Court fines are unlimited and a sentence of up to 5 years in prison can be awarded if hazardous waste is dumped.
The person found guilty of fly tipping is now liable for the costs incurred by the Council in investigating and clearing up the incident.
It is an offence to permit or authorise fly-tipping on land where a Waste Management License is not held.
Where fly-tipping involves the use of a vehicle, the driver can be prosecuted, as can the owner of the vehicle.
The police and courts have powers to seize vehicles used for fly-tipping and either sell or dispose of them.
It is the policy of the Council to seek to prosecute for each offence of fly tipping (where evidence can be found) reported to us. Think before you take the risk!
Where can I get advice on how to dispose of my waste?
Businesses: Waste produced as a result of business activity is classed as controlled waste. You are therefore legally responsible for making sure that it is disposed of correctly. For further information on what to do with your waste visit NetRegs. This site has specific guidance on what to do with your waste based on the type of business your run.
If you pay for a trade waste collection make sure that your waste is collected by a registered Waste Carrier. To check whether a company is registered use this link to check the Environment Agency’s Public Registers.
REMEMBER: There are no excuses!
Householders: THINK BEFORE YOU START ANY DIY!
If you are having a new kitchen or bathroom put in take a moment to think about how you are going to dispose of the waste before you get started. Hire a skip (see local telephone directory or search the internet). Some DIY waste can be taken to your local Household Waste Site but there are some restrictions. For more information click here.
IF IN DOUBT CHECK!
If you are having alterations or improvements made to your house by a company make sure they are disposing of the waste correctly. By law householders are now responsible for checking that contractors are correctly disposing of waste. Ask to see a waste transfer certificate/license. Check the company is registered on the Environment Agency’s Public Register.
USE THE COUNCILS BULKY COLLECTION SERVICE
If you have any bulky waste such as free standing furniture, suites etc these can be collected from you for a small charge. Click here for further details.
If you have a fridge or freezer to get rid of use the Council’s collection service (charge applies). For further information please click here.
DON’T FORGET – you can also take fridges and freezers to your local Household Waste Site
REMEMBER: There are no excuses!
How to report a case of fly tipping?
You can either use the online form to report an incident of flytipping. Or alternatively you can call us on 0800 121 8888.
We will ask you for the following information:
1. The date, time and place that you saw the fly tip (any extra information you can give us about the location will help us to investigate and remove the fly tip more quickly).
2. What has have been fly tipped and how much of it there is.
3. Your contact details (in case our Officers have trouble locating the fly tip).
Remember:
NEVERtouch the waste - it may contain syringes, broken glass, asbestos, toxic chemicals or other hazardous substances
NEVERdisturb the site - there may be evidence that could help identify the fly-tippers and lead to their prosecution
What to do if you witness somebody fly tipping?
If you see someone fly-tipping make a note of:
1. The date, time and place
2. How many people are involved and what they look like
3. What has been tipped - how much and what it looks like
4. The details of any vehicles involved including make, colour and registration number if possible.
Use the online form or call us on 0800 121 8888 to report the incident as soon as possible.
Remember:
NEVERapproach anyone you see fly tipping – they could become violent
If you have a question about fly tipping please call us on 0800 121 8888.
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Air Quality
Flytipping
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