Fly-tipping
Advice for landowners
Fly-tipping is illegal
Whether it is just one bin bag, an old item of furniture or a truck load of rubbish, dumping waste on land that is not meant to be used for waste disposal is illegal.
Even if you pay someone else to dispose of your rubbish it is your legal responsibility to make sure they will dispose of it correctly. We can issue a £300 fine to anyone caught, without needing to prosecute them through the courts.
You could also face a prison sentence of up to 5 years, an unlimited fine or both if prosecuted for fly-tipping.
Fly-tipping causes lots of problems including:
- A high cost to taxpayers and private landowners to clear it up
- Threats to humans and wildlife, and damages to our environment
- Spoiling our enjoyment of our towns and countryside
- Illegal waste disposal companies undercut those operating within the law
Advice for landowners
Land owners are responsible for removing any fly-tipping found on private land. However, you should always report fly-tipping to us. If through our investigations we are able to identify and prosecute the fly-tippers we can apply for clean-up costs to be reimbursed.
There are a number of steps that you can take to help prevent fly-tipping on your land:
- Install gates and barriers, and improve visibility in the area
- Keep areas tidy and remove any fly-tipped waste quickly to discourage others
- Deter potential fly-tippers with signage or cameras
- Work with others including your neighbours, local businesses and any existing partnerships