Fly-tipping
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We're targeting fly-tippers to combat environmental crime.
If you witness fly-tipping in Wiltshire, report the offender through our online reporting system.
You can use MyWilts to report fly tipping or report unlicensed waste collectors.
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.
Important!
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.
We're catching and convicting fly tippers!
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Convicted and fined!
Convicted in Salisbury Magistrates Court for fly tipping and failing to produce waste transfer notes. Fines including costs of £1,292.74 and received 200 hours of unpaid community work. Location: Bentley Woods, West Tytherley, Salisbury
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Fined £1,000!
£1,000 Fixed Penalty Notice for fly tipping. Location: Zeals, Bells Lane
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Convicted and fined!
Convicted in Swindon Magistrates Court for fly tipping. Fines including costs of £3,180. Location: Cricklade
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Fined over £4,000!
Convicted in Salisbury Magistrates Court for fly tipping. Fines and costs of £4,695. Location: Chapmanslade
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£7,000 fine and lost their vehicle!
Convicted in Salisbury Magistrates Court for fly tipping. Fines and costs of £6,981 and vehicle forfeiture order. Location: Collingbourne Ducis
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Fined and banned from driving!
Convicted in Salisbury Magistrates Court for fly tipping. Fines and costs of £750 and 80hrs Community penalty, 3 month driving ban, forfeiture of his vehicle. Location: Marlborough
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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.
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
Business waste!
Help complying with the law
These websites have more information to help you comply with the law when it comes to disposal of your waste.
Privacy information
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