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Fly-tipping

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We're Targeting Fly-tippers

We're targeting fly-tippers to combat environmental crime.

If you witness fly-tipping in Wiltshire, report the offender through our online reporting system.

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You can use MyWilts to report fly tipping or report unlicensed waste collectors.

Report it using MyWilts

Report fly-tipping and you could earn up to £200 if we secure a penalty or prosecution! 
To find out more, visit Fly-tipping witness reward scheme.

What is fly tipping?


Fly-tipping is illegally dumping waste. It can be liquid or solid. It can be as little as one bin bag or a whole truckload.

In Wiltshire, many fly-tipping reports are commercial, often the result of adverts on social media, where individuals charge a fee to clear waste and then illegally dump it to avoid disposal costs. For information on steps you should follow when paying someone to dispose of waste, see the Paying someone to dispose of your waste section on this page.


Penalties

Penalties for offenders include:

  • unlimited fine and/or five years' imprisonment (Crown Court).
  • unlimited fine and/or 12 months' imprisonment (Magistrates Court).
  • a Fixed Penalty Notice of £1,000 if caught fly-tipping small-scale waste.

 

What to do if you see fly-tipping


Do Not

  • Rummage through or disturb the waste
  • Remove any material or evidential information
  • Confront anyone who is fly-tipping

Do

  • Record the time and date of the incident
  • Record a description of the person(s) dumping waste
  • Record a description of the vehicle(s) involved, registration, make, model, colour
  • Record a description of the waste
  • Record the location (we accept What3words)
  • Take photographs and videos if these can be obtained safely
  • Report it as soon as possible via MyWilts

Remember - the more information you provide, the better the chances of an investigation.

If it's your waste, it's your responsibility

Everyone has a legal duty of care to ensure their household or business waste is disposed of correctly. You can be fined or taken to court if your waste is dumped illegally, even if someone else did it on your behalf.


Stop at Source logo for the We're Targeting Fly-tippers campaign


Paying for a waste clearance service

If you're considering any waste clearance service, including those advertised on social media and anyone who takes waste away as a result of works at your property (such as tree/garden, construction waste), make sure you:

  • Check they have a valid upper-tier waste carrier licence
  • Note their vehicle registration, make and model
  • Get a receipt or waste transfer note

Find a registered waste carrier in your area or check a waste carrier licence with the Environment Agency (opens new window)


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