We treat fly tipping very seriously and will prosecute anyone who is caught doing it.
Fly tipping is the common term used to describe waste being illegally deposited on land that isn’t an authorised landfill site. Fly tipping can be either a single black rubbish bag being dumped or multiple loads of construction waste.
The fly tipping of controlled waste, which requires a waste management licence for its treatment or disposal, is a serious criminal offence which carries a fine of up to £50,000 or one year imprisonment. If the case is very serious and goes court, an unlimited fine may be imposed and the prison term can be up to five years.
Permitting fly tipping, or causing it by not disposing of your waste properly, are both also criminal offences and the law applies in the same way as if you were actually doing the fly tipping yourself. If there is a vehicle involved, there are also offences relating to the controller.
If you give permission for fly tipping to occur on land you control, you will be open to investigation and prosecution.
Remember:
If you give waste to another person for disposal without checking whether they are authorised to carry it, or where the waste is going, you will be open to investigation and prosecution if it is fly tipped.
Fly tipping is often associated with dumping waste from vehicles. In this case, the person controlling the use of the vehicle, normally the registered keeper, can also be prosecuted. This means that it is possible for a prosecution to occur when only the vehicle, not the driver, is identifiable.
Preventing fly tipping
Some simple steps can prevent fly tipping. Remember:
If you give waste to anyone else, make sure they are authorised to carry it by asking for their carrier’s authorisation. You can check online using the Environment Agency Public Register or by calling 08708 506506
Ask where the waste is going. Use the Waste Directory to check legitimate sites
Ask for a receipt listing where the waste is going, the vehicle details and the carrier’s authorisation number. This is a legal obligation if you are in business, but is also good practice if you are a private householder
If you are a business and need to know more about protecting your environment use Netregs online for more information
The waste may be able to be taken by our special refuse collection for large items. See bulky waste link for more information
Contact us
E-mail: streetcare@hounslow.gov.uk
Tel: 020 8583 5555
Community Environment Team
Environment Department
Bridge Road Depot
Pears Road
Hounslow
TW3 1SQ