Fly-tipping is, unfortunately, an extremely regular occurrence in the UK, impacting residents, nature, and animals by exposing them to all types of waste. However, it can be difficult to know what to do when you come across fly-tippers, with people often wondering, is fly-tipping a criminal offence?
In this article, we discuss all aspects surrounding fly-tipping, including the punishments it carries and what to do if you encounter fly-tippers. For more information on our waste collection services or to arrange a collection time for your fly-tipping needs, contact us today or request a free, no-obligation quote online.
What is Fly-Tipping?
Fly tipping, also known as illegal dumping, is the illegal disposal of waste, typically onto land, roadsides and rivers without the authority to accept it, avoiding the use of authorised methods of waste disposal, such as taking items to dumps, arranging curbside collection, or hiring specialists to clear and remove waste from your home or property.
Fly Tipping is often a result of people trying to avoid waste disposal costs and can typically include items such as:
- Mattresses
- Fridges
- Sofas
- Paints & Oils
- Asbestos
- Household waste
- Commercial waste
These are just a handful of the items that are typically seen dumped along the roadside, with quiet country roads or motorway lay-bys being popular fly-tipping locations. However, by trying to avoid the initial costs, participants often obtain larger fines by committing this criminal act, which makes you think, isn’t it easier to just dispose of the waste responsibly and reliably in the first instance?
The Consequences of Fly-Tipping
Fly tipping is a very serious criminal offence that can lead to prosecution and unlimited fines for offenders, as well as the ability to deprive the right to use a vehicle that has been used to commit the offence. The degree and severity of the offence will impact the consequences offenders face, with larger and more environmentally damaging cases coming with bigger and more significant punishments.
Additionally, if you are a private landowner, it is your responsibility to remove and dispose of waste properly and safely, meaning, if waste remains on your property or land, you may face formal action. If you are a landowner and someone has fly-tipped onto your land, then HeyClear is the perfect place for you, providing professional and detailed fly-tipping clearance services, ensuring all waste is disposed of properly, and taking a responsible approach to waste removal and management.
what to do if you see fly-tipped waste
Now that we have answered, is fly-tipping a criminal offence? And the consequences that offenders can obtain when doing this careless and disgusting offence – it is time to discuss the best course of action if you notice fly-tipped waste.
The first thing to do is report the incident to your local authority or council, with information on the date, time, and location you noticed the waste, what the type of waste looks like and the extent/volume and any descriptions of the offenders or their vehicle (if you saw the offence taking place).
Once you have reported the crime, the relevant authorities will contact a professional waste and fly tipping removal specialist, like HeyClear, to remove and dispose of the waste and ensure the area is in good condition.
what to do when waste is illegally dumped onto your land
As mentioned, when waste is illegally dumped onto your land, it is your responsibility to ensure it is removed and disposed of properly, and the possibility of formal actions being taken against you if not done so.
It can be complicated and confusing to know where to turn when unexpectedly left with hazardous or domestic waste dumped onto your property. Luckily, the expert team at HeyClear are on hand to help and remove the stress and hassle of removing and disposing of this waste for you.
The type of waste typically fly-tipped can be difficult to deal with and requires specialist attention to ensure it doesn’t contaminate land or water sources. When choosing a waste removal service, it is vital to ensure that you work with the right company, ensuring they have a waste carrier licence and that you receive a copy of the waste transfer or consignment note once collected.
Contact us today
If you are looking for fly-tipping waste removal services, contact us today for more information on how we can help you and the waste management solutions we provide. As specialists in all aspects of waste removal, including hazardous waste management, commercial waste collection, and more, we will have the skills, knowledge and experience to handle your project.
We are SafeContractor Approved and hold all required licences to carry out all kinds of professional clearance projects imaginable, giving you the confidence and reassurance that you are in the best possible hands to deal with your fly-tipping removal needs.
