Report fly-tipping
Local Police teams often receive reports from residents about fly-tipping.
Everyone can help by reporting it quickly and safely.
ℹ️Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and it harms our local environment, wildlife, and community spaces.
What to do
If you see fly-tipping happening
- Keep a safe distance
- Call 999 immediately
- Do not approach the people involved
If you discover fly-tipped waste
- Report it to Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council
- You can also call 101, and the Police will refer the report to the local authority.
Do not ignore it
Fly-tipping is taken seriously.
People caught fly-tipping can face:
- Fines up to £50,000 in Magistrates’ Court
- Unlimited fines in higher courts
- Community punishment orders
- Prison sentences of up to 5 years
Do not interfere
- Do not touch or move the waste.
- The only exception is if there is a risk of evidence blowing away. In that case, you may carefully contain it if safe to do so.
Information to record (if safe)
If you witness or discover fly-tipping, try to record the following details:
- Location of the waste
- Date and time you saw it
- Whether it is blocking a public path or right of way
- Description of the waste (Look for chemicals, liquids, or hazardous materials)
- Vehicle details (type of vehicle, make and model, colour and registartion number)
- Number of people involved
⚠️Only record details if it is safe to do so.
Why Reporting Matters
Reporting fly-tipping helps authorities:
- Remove waste quickly
- Identify offenders
- Protect local green spaces
- Keep our neighbourhood clean and safe
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