What is fly-tipping?
Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste. It can include anything from a single bag of household rubbish to an entire truckload of rubbish.
It is important you understand what fly-tipping is so you don't accidentally put yourself at risk of a fine. Some common examples of fly-tipping are shown below.
Furniture and bulky waste dumped in public places is illegal.
Leaving waste outside a closed Household Recycling Centre is fly-tipping.
Waste left next to a litter bin is fly-tipping.
Waste left beside clothing banks is fly-tipping.
Dumping waste on public land is fly-tipping.
Leaving donation bags outside a charity shop is fly-tipping.
Use the SCRAP checklist
We all have a legal duty to ensure our waste is disposed of properly. This is known as a "duty of care". You can be fined or prosecuted if your waste is fly-tipped, even if somebody else does the dumping.
Before paying someone to take your rubbish away, use the SCRAP checklist to help make sure your waste is disposed of legally and keep yourself safe from rogue waste collectors.
Suspect
Suspect all waste carriers. Do not let anyone take your waste until you know they are legitimate.
Check
Check they are registered as a waste carrier before they remove anything from your property.
Refuse
Refuse unexpected offers or suspiciously cheap deals. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Ask
Ask what will happen to your rubbish and where it will be taken.
Paperwork
Get a receipt or waste transfer note with contact details and vehicle information.
Introducing WasteGuard
WasteGuard helps you make safer choices when arranging waste collections and protects you from the rogue operators dumping rubbish all over our beautiful district.
- Check waste carriers before you pay
- Avoid fines from illegally dumped waste
- Help stop waste crime in your area
Check before you pay
Always confirm who is taking your waste and where it will go.
How to report fly-tipping
If you see rubbish dumped on public land, roads, paths or bridleways then please report it to us by using the button below. We will investigate and arrange for the waste to be removed.
If the waste blocks the road or presents an immediate hazard to traffic report it to Worcestershire County Council Highways Department on 01905 765765.
Reported fly-tipping would normally be cleared within 24 hours, Monday to Friday. It may take longer if reported over the weekend or if further investigation is needed.fly-tipping
Check the location
Tell us where the waste is. A precise location or landmark helps us find it quickly.
Send details safely
Tell us what has been dumped, when you noticed the waste and the size of the fly-tip. Take and upload photos if you can.
Please do not touch fly-tipped waste as it could contain dangerous items such as syringes, asbestos or other hazardous substances.
Do not disturb the site as there may be evidence that could help identify the culprits and lead to their prosecution.
Share evidence
Include vehicle details, registration time and a description of the fly-tippers, if you saw them, or any information which may help us catch the offenders.
Important: If you see someone fly-tipping, please do not approach them or place yourself in danger.
Fly-tipping on private land
If waste is dumped on private land then it is the landowner's responsibility to remove it, or ask a licensed waste carrier to do it for them, and make sure it is disposed of properly.
We can still investigate where the waste has come from.
Report private landfly-tipping
How we investigate fly-tipping
We investigate all reports of fly-tipping where there is a reasonable chance of finding evidence that will lead to a prosecution.
We are also responsible for clearing fly-tipping from public land.
If rubbish is dumped on private land then it is the landowner's responsibility to remove it. We will, where appropriate, investigate and prosecute people for fly-tipping on private land in partnership with the landowner.
Disposing of business waste
If you run a business, no matter what the size, then you are legally responsible for the waste you produce.
It is your legal responsibility to always use a registered waste carrier, and/or register to transport your own waste.
Visit our disposing of business waste page to find out more about your legal responsibilities and how our commercial waste collection service can help you.