The Council treats this problem very seriously and will prosecute anyone caught flytipping waste.

In an effort to reduce the number of flytipping incidences, the Council provides a special refuse collection for large items

The flytipping 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 an offence to permit flytipping.

Flytipping is often associated with dumping waste from vehicles.  In this case the person controlling the use of the vehicle can also be prosecuted, which means that it is possible for a prosecution to occur when only the vehicle, not the driver, is identifiable.

The Police also have the powers to seize vehicles used for flytipping.

If you discover flytipped waste after the tippers left, 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.
• Do ring: the Cleansing Hotline 01803 402943 Monday to Friday (8.00am-4.00pm) or out of hours the 24 hour emergency line 01803 550405.

What to do if you see someone Flytipping:

If possible, please make a note of:

• The day, date and time and location of the tipping.

What you saw:

• How many people were flytipping and what they looked like
• What they were actually doing.
• Any vehicle involved - their make, colour and registration number.

Where were you when you saw the flytipping:

• What kind of view you had.
• How far away you were.
• Weather and light condition.

What was tipped:

• How much?
• If possible, please make a note of what it looked like.

Remember - Don't Put Yourself At Risk!