What is fly-tipping

What is fly-tipping

Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of rubbish. It could be a single bag or a vehicle load of rubbish.

It also includes leaving items and bags:

  • beside street bins or recycling banks
  • outside closed Recycling Centres and charity shops.

Find out about the difference between fly-tipping and litter.

Penalties

Fly-tipping is a criminal offence.

We can impose a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £1,000.

Courts can impose:

  • A fine of up to £50,0000 and/or 12 months in prison
  • An unlimited fine and/or five years in prison in serious cases

Who can be prosecuted

  • Anyone illegally dumping waste
  • The driver or owner of a vehicle used for fly-tipping 
  • The owner of the illegally dumped waste - it is your responsibility to check that the waste carrier is registered and where the waste is going
  • Anyone giving permission for fly-tipping to take place on land they control.

Page Last Updated: Wednesday, 05 March 2025 at 10:11 AM