Fly-tipping

Flytipping is a very serious offence and the council will prosecute anyone who is caught breaking the law.

• What is flytipping?
• What can the council do to help?
• Is flytipping illegal?
• Does the council tolerate flytipping?
• What if the waste is dumped on private land?
• What should I do if I see someone leaving rubbish?
• Who should I report flytipping to?
• Can flytipping be prevented?
• Could I use a private company to dispose of my waste?

 

Q: What is flytipping?

Flytipping is the illegal dumping of rubbish on a site that is not licensed to receive waste.

Flytipping is not only against the law; it can be dangerous for both you and the environment. For example, the waste could contain hazardous items like syringes, asbestos or toxic waste.

Unattended rubbish could also attract flies and rats to the area.

 

Q: What can the council do to help?

We can investigate reports of flytipping to try to find out who is responsible as well as removing any rubbish left on council land.

 

Q: Is flytipping illegal?

Yes. Flytipping is a criminal offence which has a maximum penalty of £50,000 or up to five years imprisonment.

 

Q: Does the council tolerate flytipping?

No. Flytipping is viewed as anti social behaviour that is detrimental to the environment.  The council will do everything in its power to deal with offenders. We work hard for a cleaner and greener borough and want people to work with us to take pride in the area.

 

Q: What will the council do if the waste is dumped on private land?

If waste is dumped on private land the council may investigate who is responsible for leaving the rubbish there, but it is not responsible for removing the materials. If rubbish is found on private land the land owner is responsible for disposing of this.

As a general rule, we would advise anyone who finds waste dumped on private land not to remove any visible evidence such as letters, envelopes or bills with an address on them. This could be classed as evidence and if removed from the scene it could mean that the finder of such materials would have to get involved in any subsequent prosecution at a later date, which could involve giving statements and attending court.

 

Q: What should I do if I see someone leaving rubbish?

If you witness flytipping taking place call the police on 999. Try to take note of as much information as possible but do not approach those responsible or put yourself at risk in anyway.

Try to take note of how many people are on the site if you can, and describe any vehicles dumping the rubbish by noting the make, model, colour and registration.

 

Q: Who should I report flytipping to?

If you find rubbish left on any site not licensed to receive waste – and the person or people leaving the items are no longer on the scene please contact the council.

You can do this by filling in our online form, by emailing street.scene@hertsmere.gov.uk or by calling 0208 207 2277.

You can also help by recording as much information as possible relating to the incident. For example:

• Date and time you saw the rubbish.
• Location e.g. road name and any significant landmarks to help the waste be located easily.
• Description of rubbish e.g. builders waste, household waste, furniture etc.
• Where you were when you saw the rubbish.

Do not try to move the waste yourself as it could be dangerous.

 

Q: Can flytipping be prevented?

The council’s waste collection services can help with the disposal of large household items or residents can take bulky household waste to a local household recycling centre.

 

Q: Could I use a private company to dispose of my waste?

If you decide to use a private or local company to dispose of your household or business waste please follow these simple steps to prevent your rubbish being flytipped after it leaves your property.

• Ensure the person/company are authorised to carry waste. You can check this online on the Environment Agency’s website  or by telephoning 08708 506 506.
• Ask where the waste is going. You can look at the waste directory online to find legitimate sites.
• Ask for a receipt detailing where the waste is going, vehicle details and authorisation number. This is a legal obligation and it is good practise if you are a private householder.
• If you are a business and need to know more about protecting the environment use netregs online.