Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of rubbish or bulky items on land not licensed to receive it. It can vary in scale significantly from a bin-bag of rubbish to large quantities of waste dumped from trucks.
Fly-tipping is a problem because it:
- can be dangerous and potentially harmful to health
- spoils our enjoyment of the environment, making an area look ugly
- can cause serious pollution to the environment
- attracts arson and further fly tipping
- can be dangerous for wildlife
- can attract vermin
- is expensive to clear up.
Report fly-tipping
Use our online form to report fly-tipping.
Do not touch the waste – it may contain syringes, glass, asbestos, toxic chemicals or other hazardous substances - or disturb the site – there may be evidence that could help identify those responsible and lead to their prosecution.
How the council deals with fly-tipping
The council will investigate incidents of fly-tipping and seek to take enforcement action against offenders.
We will remove fly-tipped waste from public land. Where fly-tipping is on private land, it is the responsibility of the landowner or occupier to remove the waste.
Penalties for fly-tipping
Fly-tipping is a criminal offence. Anyone found guilty can face a fine of up to £50,000 and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months. Fines are unlimited if the case goes to crown court or up to two years imprisonment and up to five years if hazardous waste is dumped.
It is also an offence to permit or authorise fly-tipping on land where an environmental permit is not in force.
Where fly-tipping involves the use of a vehicle, the driver can be prosecuted as can the registered keeper of the vehicle. The police have powers to seize vehicles used for fly-tipping.
What to do if you witness fly-tipping
If you see somebody fly-tipping make a note of:
- the date, time and place
- how many people are involved and what they look like
- what has been tipped – how much and what it looks like
- the details of any vehicles involved including make, colour and registration number if possible.
Then report it to us. Never approach anyone you see fly-tipping – they could become violent.
How to get rid of excess household waste
The council operates a bulky collection service.
Extra household waste can also be taken to a local Cambridgeshire County Council recycling centre.
If you intend to use anyone other than the council to remove or transport your waste, you have a legal duty to check that they are legally licensed to do so. Further information is available from the Department for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) or the Environment Agency Public Registers.
Contact
For more information please email streetenforcement@cambridge.gov.uk or telephone 01223 458282
You can also find more information and advice on the National Fly-Tipping Prevention Group website.
