About fly-tipping
Fines
Fly tipping offences and enforcement
Fly tipping is a criminal offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. It includes the unauthorised dumping of household, commercial, or hazardous waste on land or property.
The council takes fly tipping seriously and will take enforcement action where evidence identifies those responsible.
Large-scale, commercial, or hazardous fly tipping
This applies to incidents involving but not limited to:
- Commercial or trade waste
- Hazardous materials
- Large quantities of domestic waste
Offenders may be subject to:
- A fine called a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £1,000, discounted for early payment (within 10 days) to £800, or
- Prosecution, which can result in:
- Up to 12 months’ imprisonment
- An unlimited fine (Magistrates’ Court)
More serious offences may be dealt with by the Crown Court, where penalties can include:
- Up to 5 years’ imprisonment
- An unlimited fine
Small-scale domestic fly tipping (non-hazardous)
This applies to small amounts of non-hazardous household waste.
Where appropriate, the council may issue:
- A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £800, discounted for early payment (within 10 days) to £400, or
- Proceed with prosecution, which can result in:
- Up to 12 months’ imprisonment
- An unlimited fine (Magistrates’ Court)
Serious cases may still be referred to the Crown Court, with penalties of:
- Up to 5 years’ imprisonment
- An unlimited fine
Legal powers
Fly tipping offences are enforced under Section 33(1)(a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The council’s power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices is provided under Section 33ZA of the Act.
Last updated: 16/04/2026 13:41
