Fly-tipping is a growing issue across the UK, damaging the environment, creating health hazards, and costing local councils millions to clean up. If you come across illegally dumped waste, reporting it promptly can help authorities take action and prevent further incidents.
At House Clearance Scotland & Northern England, we pride ourselves on responsible waste disposal and encourage everyone to do their part in keeping communities clean. This guide will walk you through the process of reporting fly-tipping effectively.
Step 1: Assess the Situation
Before reporting fly-tipping, take a moment to assess the situation:
- Is it on public or private land? Local councils handle waste on public land, while private landowners must arrange their own cleanup.
- Is it hazardous waste? If the dumped waste contains chemicals, asbestos, or medical waste, it should be reported as a serious environmental hazard.
- Is there evidence of the offender? If you notice vehicle details, company names, or identifying documents within the waste, this can help authorities track down those responsible.
Step 2: Gather Information
To help the authorities take action, try to collect the following details:
- Location of the fly-tipped waste (road name, postcode, or landmark)
- Type of waste dumped (household rubbish, furniture, appliances, building materials, hazardous substances)
- Size of the waste pile (small items, large furniture, or commercial-scale dumping)
- Date and time you found it
- Photos if possible (without putting yourself at risk)
Step 3: Report to the Local Council
Most fly-tipping incidents on public land should be reported to your local council.
- Visit the GOV.UK website (www.gov.uk/report-flytipping)
- Enter your postcode to find the correct local authority
- Fill out the online form or call the council’s environmental services department
If the fly-tipping is on private land, the local council may still investigate but will not remove the waste. It is the landowner’s responsibility to arrange disposal.
Step 4: Report Hazardous Waste to the Environment Agency
For large-scale fly-tipping, toxic waste, or incidents involving criminal activity, report directly to the Environment Agency (England) or the equivalent body in your area:
- England: Call 0800 80 70 60 or visit www.gov.uk/report-an-environmental-incident
- Scotland: Contact SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) via 0800 80 70 60
- Wales: Report to Natural Resources Wales on 0300 065 3000
- Northern Ireland: Contact NIEA (Northern Ireland Environment Agency) at 028 9056 9360
Step 5: Report Suspicious Activity
If you witness someone actively fly-tipping, do not approach them, as illegal waste disposal is often linked to criminal activity. Instead:
- Take note of vehicle registration details
- Record the date, time, and location
- Contact your local council or the Environment Agency
- If you feel unsafe, report the incident to Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111
Preventing Fly-Tipping in Your Area
While reporting is crucial, prevention is even better. Here’s how you can help stop fly-tipping:
- Use licensed waste disposal services – Always check if a clearance company has a valid waste carrier license. House Clearance Scotland & Northern England ensures all waste is handled legally.
- Be aware of rogue collectors – Never pay unlicensed waste collectors, as they often dump rubbish illegally.
- Secure private land – If you own land, keep gates locked and install deterrents such as security cameras or signage.
- Encourage responsible disposal – Share information with your community about proper waste disposal and council collection services.