Fly-tipping is the illegal tipping of waste, often in public areas and parks.
The Council treats this problem very seriously and will prosecute anyone caught flytipping waste.
The flytipping of controlled waste is a serious criminal offence which carries a fine of up to £50,000 (unlimited if indicted to the Crown Court) or an offender can even be sent to prison for a maximum of 2 years. It is important to realise that it is also an offence to permit flytipping.
Flytipping is often associated with dumping waste from vehicles. In this case the person controlling the use of the vehicle can also be prosecuted, which means that it is possible for a prosecution to occur when only the vehicle, not the driver, is identifiable.
The Police also have the powers to seize vehicles used for flytipping.
If you discover flytipped waste after the tippers have left, please follow these simple Do's and Don'ts:
- Do not touch the waste: flytipped waste can be dangerous - it may contain syringes, broken glass, asbestos, toxic chemicals or other hazardous substances.
- Visually inspect the waste: try to determine what the waste consists of and how much there is.
- Take note of its exact location: and also, whether it is in or near water.
- Do not disturb the site: there may be evidence that could help identify the culprits and lead to their prosecution.
If You See Someone Flytipping:
If possible, please make a note of:
- the day, date and time you saw the tipping.
What you saw:
- how many people were flytipping and what they looked like
- what they were actually doing
- any vehicles involved - their make, colour and registration number
Where were you when you saw the flytipping:
- what kind of view you had
- how far away you were
- weather and light conditions
What was tipped:
- how much?
- what it looked like
Remember - Don't Put Yourself At Risk!
The Council are urging residents to exercise caution when they employ someone to take their waste away as it is the householder who is liable for prosecution if it is flytipped, unless they can prove otherwise.
To help you avoid becoming a victim of fly-tippers with have created a simple five point checklist
- If you hire contractors such as builders or house clearers to remove your waste items make sure they have a waste carrier licence. The Environment Agency can advise of registered businesses by contacting 08708 506506
- Take a note of the vehicles registration number in which the waste is removed, that way if your waste is later found flytipped the perpetrator will be easier to trace
- Always ensure you get a receipt for waste that is removed and ensure it clearly displays the companies name and address
- If you are still unsure ask where the waste is being taken to be disposed
- Finally remember landfilling waste is expensive so if the price seems to good to be true, it probably is
Report Flytipping To report an incident of fly-tipping you can report it using our online form or you can telephone
Chester - 01244 402477
Ellesmere Port - 0151 356 6557
Vale Royal - 0800 435 199
