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.
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.
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.
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!
Remember, there are no excuses!
If you have any bulky waste such fridges, freezers, tables, chairs, televisions etc., the council do provide a collection service.
You can also take bulky waste items to your local household waste recycling centre at Taylor Lane, Loscoe.
If you see someone fly tipping make a note of:
Remember - never approach anyone you see fly tipping - they could become violent. If you have a question about fly tipping please call us on 01773 841335
You can complete our online reporting form. Alternatively please call the helpline on 01773 841335 or email landscapeservices@ambervalley.gov.uk.
The following information is required:
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
Contact the team directly on 01773 841335 or email envadmin@ambervalley.gov.uk
