Littering and fly-tipping are both illegal activities that have a negative impact on the environment and the community. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Littering refers to the act of discarding waste or trash in an inappropriate location, such as on the street, in a park, or on the side of a road. It can include a wide range of materials, such as cigarette butts, food wrappers, and plastic bottles. Littering is considered a minor offense and is typically punishable by a fine.
Fly-tipping, on the other hand, refers to the illegal dumping of waste on public or private land. It is a more serious offense than littering and typically involves larger quantities of waste, such as household or commercial waste, construction and demolition waste, hazardous waste, and bulky items. Fly-tipping is considered a criminal offense under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA) in the UK, which covers England and Wales, and can result in fines or imprisonment.
Another difference between littering and fly-tipping is the location where the waste is discarded. Littering often happens in public places such as sidewalks, parks, and streets, whereas fly-tipping is more likely to happen in isolated areas, such as woods, fields, or on the side of a country road.
Both littering and fly-tipping have a negative impact on the environment and the community. Littering can create an eyesore, and can harm wildlife and plants. Fly-tipping, on the other hand, can create serious health hazards, and can be costly to clean up.
To prevent both littering and fly-tipping, individuals, companies, and organizations should make sure to dispose of their waste properly, either by using their local council’s waste collection service or by using a licensed waste carrier. They should also be aware of their responsibilities as a waste producer, and be mindful of the dangers of both littering and fly-tipping.
It’s important to note that littering and fly-tipping are two separate offenses with different penalties, but both contribute to the overall environmental and aesthetic problem of the area. By being aware of the difference and taking steps to properly dispose of waste, we can all play a role in keeping our communities clean and safe.