Flytipping
The council treats this problem very seriously and will consider prosecution of anyone caught repeatedly flytipping waste. Flytipping is irresponsible, dangerous and expensive to clear up.
Please report a flytipping incident using our online Flytipping report form or contact us.
The fly tipping of controlled waste is a serious criminal offence which carries a fine of up to £20,000 (unlimited if indicted to the Crown Court) or an offender can even be sent to prison. It is important to realise that it is also an offence to permit fly tipping. For example, in the case of dumping waste from vehicles, the legal owner of the vehicle can be prosecuted, if the vehicle is identifiable but not the perpetrator. Police also have the powers to seize vehicles used for flytipping.
Useful suggestions to mange your waste:
- If you are a local resident looking to use a skip or waste disposal company or business, please make sure you use a reputable company with a waste carriers license. If your waste is found tipped, you will be held partly responsible. To request a Waste Carrier Validation Check ring the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 or see their website www.environment-agency.gov.uk.
- For residents, the council provides a special refuse collection for large items.
- For residents looking to use one of Hertfordshire’s Household Waste Recycling Centres, please check the opening times before setting off. Ring the WasteAware helpline on 08457 425000 or see the website (www.wasteaware.org.uk).
The Environmental Protection Act (1990 s33(1) concerns Controlled Waste Deposited on Land. Controlled waste (includes household, industrial, commercial or any other such waste) deposited, treated or disposed on land without authorisation. This is just one piece of legislation that can be used to prosecute those responsible for fly tipping.
If you discover flytipped waste, please follow these simple do's and dont's:
- 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 you were 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!
Then please report the incident using our online Flytipping report form, or alternatively contact us directly by phone or email.