Street cleaning and litter

Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste.

You can report illegal fly-tipping. If you find evidence, leave it where it is and let us know as soon as possible.

Report now

If you use what3words, you can tell us the three word address of the fly-tip.

You can also report fly-tipping in MyNS. This allows you to track the status of the report. 

You will first be asked to log in or register for a new account. 

If you witness fly-tipping

If you witness fly-tipping:

• note any details, such as the vehicle registration number, make and model
• be prepared to make a written statement – without this we may not be able to take any further action

Legally disposing of waste

It is your responsibility to know what happens to your waste.

Anyone who produces waste has a duty of care under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to make sure it is disposed of properly. Therefore a person may be guilty of an offence under Section 34 if their waste has been found to be dumped, even if the dumping was carried out by someone else. This applies to both businesses and householders. 

If your waste is dumped illegally, you could be fined up to £50,000. You could also receive a prison sentence. At the Crown Court the fine is an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison.

How to dispose of your waste

If you have any work done on your property, or if you pay someone to take waste away for you, make sure they are registered with the Environment Agency. Everyone involved in handling the waste should be registered, from the person who produces it to the person who finally disposes of or recovers it. 

Check if someone is registered

Search for registered waste dealers, brokers and dealers – Environment Agency

When they come to collect your waste, ask them to provide a waste transfer note or a receipt. You can download a duty of care waste transfer note – GOV.UK.

Book a bulky waste collection

You can also book a bulky waste collection.

How we tackle fly-tipping

We respond to all fly-tipping reports. We aim to clear the rubbish within 72 hours, provided it is on a street or in another public place.

If the rubbish is dumped on private land, such as farmers' fields and other areas not in public ownership, we will not clear it without charging the occupier for doing so. 

We will investigate such incidents and prosecute offenders when we have the evidence. We also apply for costs in court on behalf of the landowner or occupier.

Fixed Penalty Notices for fly-tipping

You can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for fly-tipping.

Go to Fixed Penalty Notices