Fly-tipping

Flytipping

Fly tipping is a serious problem, not just in Cannock Chase District but across the UK.  As well as pursuing fly-tippers, environmental health officers regularly trace fly-tipping back to households in Cannock Chase and further afield.  If you give your waste to someone without checking they are a registered waste carrier, you risk officers visiting your house, being questioned, being issued with a fixed penalty notice or even prosecuted.  Check that a waste carrier is registered online or by calling 08708 506 506

The Council uses a range of tactics to catch fly-tippers including searching waste for evidence, overt and covert surveillance, using waste tracking devices, stopping vehicles carrying waste and carrying out checks.  We also offer a reward of £250 to people who provide evidence that leads to a conviction. 

Fly-tippers face up to five years imprisonment, an unlimited fine, seizure and forfeiture of the vehicle and disqualification from driving.  

Report fly-tipping here.

What is fly-tipping?

Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste.  This could involve a single bin bag up to lorry loads of hazardous waste.  Fly-tipping occurs everywhere including country lanes, parks, behind shops, and in lay-bys.   

Impacts

Fly-tipping can:

  • Cost money to remove, often money that could be spent on other public services
  • Be harmful to health
  • Pollute the environment
  • Lead to other crime, such as arson or more fly-tipping
  • Harm wildlife
  • Block roads
  • Attract pests such as rats and mice

Private Land

  • Where there is evidence, the Council will investigate fly-tipping that occurs anywhere in the District, regardless of whether it is on public or private land. 
  • However, the Council will not remove fly-tipping from private land.  This is the responsibility of the owner or occupier of the land.
  • There are circumstances where the Council will require the owner or occupier of the land to remove the fly-tipping.

Penalties

Fly-tipping is a serious criminal offence.  The penalties include: 

  • Imprisonment for up to five years
  • An unlimited fine
  • Seizure or forfeiture of the vehicle used to commit the offence
  • Disqualification from driving

For more information contact Environmental Health on 01543 462621 or email environmentalhealth@cannockchasedc.gov.uk.

Follow the SCRAP Code

If you are paying someone to dispose of waste, always to remember to follow the SCRAP code...

  • Suspect all waste carriers. Don't let them take your waste until they provide proof of being a registered waste carrier. Note their vehicle registration number.
  • Check that a waste carrier is registered online or by calling 08708 506 506.
  • Refuse any unexpected offers to have your rubbish taken away.
  • Ask how your rubbish will be disposed of - seek evidence of this.
  • Paperwork must be obtained: a proper invoice, waste transfer note or receipt, including a description of the waste being removed and the waste carrier’s contact details.
  • Remember your waste is your responsibility!
Report Waste Crime

If you witness a vehicle being used to fly-tip follow these instructions.

If the offence is in progress, and it is safe to do so, call 999.

If the fly-tipping has already occurred, and you have evidence to provide, contact the Council by calling 01543 462621, or emailing environmentalhealth@cannockchasedc.gov.uk

You will need to provide:

  • The date and time of the offence
  • The location of the offence
  • The make, model, colour and registration number of the vehicle
  • A description of the people involved
  • A description of the waste

If you want to provide intelligence about people involved in fly-tipping, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

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