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 Carriers 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.
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, both on the amount of
waste you can take and the vehicle you use to take it to the
HWRC . If you are unsure then click here for a Permit
Application Form
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.
REMEMBER: There are no excuses!
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 Recycling Centre at Barkers
Lane
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:
NEVER touch the waste - it may contain syringes, broken glass,
asbestos, toxic chemicals or other hazardous substances
NEVER disturb 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:
NEVER approach anyone you see fly tipping – they could become
violent
If you have a question about fly tipping please call us on 0800
121 8888.