- What is fly-tipping?
- What should I do if I see fly-tipping?
- Do not touch the waste
- Penalties for fly-tipping
- What information should I record?
- Why is reporting fly-tipping important?
What is fly-tipping?
Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste.
It is a criminal offence that can damage the environment, harm wildlife and affect local communities.
Everyone can help by reporting fly-tipping quickly and safely.
What should I do if I see fly-tipping?
If you see fly-tipping happening
- Keep a safe distance.
- Call 999 immediately.
- Do not approach or confront the people involved.
If you find fly-tipped waste
- Report it to Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council.
- You can also call 101 and the Police will pass the report to the local authority.
Do not touch the waste
- Do not move or handle fly-tipped waste.
- The only exception is where evidence may blow away and it is safe to contain it.
Penalties for fly-tipping
People convicted of fly-tipping may face:
- Fines of up to £50,000 in a Magistrates' Court.
- Unlimited fines in higher courts.
- Community punishment orders.
- Prison sentences of up to five years.
What information should I record?
If it is safe to do so, record as much information as possible, including:
- The location of the waste.
- The date and time you saw it.
- Whether it is blocking a public path or right of way.
- A description of the waste, including any chemicals, liquids or hazardous materials.
- Vehicle details, including:
- make and model
- colour
- registration number
- The number of people involved.
Only collect information if it is safe to do so.
Why is reporting fly-tipping important?
Reporting fly-tipping helps authorities to:
- Remove waste quickly.
- Identify offenders.
- Protect local green spaces.
- Keep neighbourhoods clean and safe.
See it. Record it. Report it.