No rubbish excuses

Fly-tipping is a crime

There are no rubbish excuses for dumping waste in our neighbourhoods. Councils are taking increased enforcement action to stop illegal dumping and protect recycling sites and streets.

No rubbish excuses campaign

Through our current 'no rubbish excuses' campaign, we discourage people from committing fly-tip offences, by providing legal alternatives and warning about consequences for going down the illegal route. This is done through borough-wide display of posters and signage, as well as through social media posts.

Our posters on fly-tipping

You can download the posters we are displaying throughout the borough:

• Can't wait for your next bin collection?
• Plan ahead
• See it, report it
• Fly-tipping is a crime, expect a big fine
• Fly-tippers are criminals
• Fly-tipping is disgusting
• Too big to shift?
• Fly-tipping businesses
• Be a good neighbour
• Fly-tipping is illegal

What is fly-tipping?

Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste, including:

• Rubbish left by recycling banks
• Furniture or mattresses dumped on pavements
• White goods left on streets
• Business or building waste dumped on public land

All fly-tipping is investigated, and offenders may be fined or prosecuted.

Your waste, your responsibility

Even if you pay someone else to remove your rubbish, it remains your legal responsibility until it is correctly disposed of. If fly tipped waste is traced back to you, you could receive a fine or face prosecution.

Before giving waste to anyone:

• Check they are a licensed waste carrier at: Register of waste carriers, brokers and dealers (data.gov.uk)
• Ask how and where your waste will be disposed of
• Always get a receipt or invoice with full details

Who can be fined?

Householders

You could receive a minimum £400 fine for fly-tipping:

• Fly-tipped waste is traced back to you
• You fail to check the waste carrier is authorised
• You do not keep paperwork or receipts

Builders and tradespeople

Fly-tipping can result in:

• A minimum £800 fine
• Vehicle seizure
• A criminal record

Businesses

All business waste must be collected by a licensed waste carrier. Failure to comply can lead to fixed penalties, prosecution or unlimited fines.

Fly-tip under investigation

You may see dumped waste marked with 'Fly-tip under investigation' signs. This means evidence is being gathered, and enforcement action may follow.

If you have information, please contact us.

Seen a fly-tip?

If you see fly-tipping or dumped waste, report fly-tipping to us as soon as possible. Your reports help us take action and keep areas clean.

No rubbish excuses. It’s your waste. It’s your responsibility.

Last updated: 21/08/2026 14:51