Dumped rubbish (Fly-tipping)
Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of rubbish, like furniture or rubble, on public and private land.
Where we clear dumped rubbish from
We clear public land. This includes:
- local roads and pavements
- car parks
- public footpaths
- other council owned property
Where we don't clear dumped rubbish from
- Private land - If your report is on private land we will investigate the report and then ask the private land owner to arrange removal of the fly-tip.
- Motorway (M25) - Fly-tips on the M25 should be reported to the Highways Agency.
If you are reporting dumped rubbish that poses an immediate danger between 5pm and 9am on weekdays, or at weekends, please call our 'out of hours' emergency line, 01708 433999.
Where possible we prosecute those responsible for dumping the rubbish. If you know who is responsible please let us know.
How we clear dumped rubbish
Once we get your report we check to see if it is public or private land then send crews out if we can clear it or look at our options if it is on private land.
We check the rubbish to see if there is any evidence that could lead to a prosecution.
When collecting bulky waste or clearing fly-tipping, our crews collect domestic seating such as sofas, armchairs and dining chairs separately.
Please don’t be surprised if the crews appear to have left some items because they will be coming back for them.
Seized vehicles and prosecutions
We may seize any vehicle, trailer or mobile plant and their contents if we think it is being, or will be used for crimes involving waste, such as fly-tipping.
If we decide to investigate or prosecute, we can keep your vehicle in storage for up to 15 working days if we need to investigate an offence.
We may keep it longer to continue an investigation or if we decide to prosecute.
If our investigation shows that your vehicle was used for a waste crime, we will always consider prosecuting you.
Your vehicle will be kept by us for the duration of the court process, however, if the court decides that you have committed a waste crime, they may take away your vehicle permanently.
More information on fly-tipping
Go to the National Fly-Tipping Prevention Group website.
Their objective is to find ways to prevent or reduce fly-tipping by influencing, advising, supporting and promoting best practice as well as raising awareness of the potential environmental damage fly-tipping can cause.