Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste, often on lay-bys, country lanes, roadsides and private land. Common items dumped are:-
- household and garden waste
- large items, such as fridges, mattresses, furniture
- commercial waste, such as building rubble, tyres
- hazardous waste, such as asbestos, needles and syringes
It remains a persistent problem for rural communities and was the most selected concern for residents in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Rural Crime Survey.
Fly tipping can be a threat to humans and wildlife and it damages our environment and spoils our enjoyment of the countryside. Not only does fly-tipping create an eyesore for our rural residents and visitors, but the significant environmental, human and animal health impact of this offence exacerbates the damage and impact it has on our rural communities.
Preventing fly-tipping can be challenging, however the guidance on boundary security in the Theft and Acquisitive Crime section of this website provides useful tips on how to secure your land making it more difficult for offenders to access.
A core challenge to tackling fly-tipping is ensuring that residents understand the correct reporting process, and their own personal responsibilities when it comes to disposing of waste legally and safely.
Ensuring proper waste disposal
A proportion of fly-tipping offences are committed by organised groups that charge for a waste disposal service and then dump the waste in an authorised site.
It is important to remember that if your rubbish is fly-tipped you could also be prosecuted. This is still the case even if you do not dump the waste personally, or even know it was going to be dumped.
To avoid fines of up to £5,000, Derbyshire County Council recommend that residents use a registered waste carrier if they have rubbish that needs removing.
REporting Fly-tipping
Fly-tipping is a crime and therefore it is important that instances of fly-tipping are reported to the relevant authority.
Reports of fly-tipping need to be directed to the local authority for that area.
Local authorities are responsible for investigating, clearing and taking enforcement action for fly tipping on public land, or it could be the Peak District National Park, depending on the location of the fly tip.
Landowners are responsible for removing fly tipping from their private land. The relevant local authority will be able to provide advice, if required.
Please report any fly tipping and help the local authority by providing as much information as possible:
- The exact location of the fly tip
- An estimate of the number of items
- A brief description of what has been dumped
- The registration number and description of the fly tippers’ vehicle such as the colour, make and model
The greater the information reported the higher the chances of securing a prosecution for the offence. Offenders can receive a Fixed Penalty of up to £1,000 or be prosecuted with the maximum penalties of an unlimited fine or five years in prison.
To report fly-tipping:
Identify your local authority by clicking HERE