Who Is Responsible for Fly Tipping Waste? Your Questions Answered

Fly tipping is the illegal disposal of waste onto land that doesn’t have a license to accept it. Whether it’s a field, a roadside or someone’s back garden, fly tipping is an eyesore and a public health hazard. 

It’s also becoming a more serious problem year on year. Since 2013, cases of fly tipping in the UK have increased by nearly 40% (from 714,637 to 997,553).

If you are unconcerned about fly tipping and the law, you might think that if it wasn’t you that tipped the waste, then you don’t have to worry. Unfortunately, that’s just not the case. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at fly tipping in greater detail.

What counts as fly tipping?

Under the Environmental Act 1990, you can be prosecuted for fly tipping regardless of whether it’s commercial or domestic waste. The following can count as fly tipping:

• Waste disposed of on land without a waste management license
• Waste is treated or disposed of by someone who doesn’t have a waste management license
• Waste is caused to be deposited on a piece of land (e.g. waste falls off a vehicle)
• Waste is treated or disposed of in a way that is harmful to public health and the environment

What is the fine for fly tipping?

Whether it’s a local authority or the Environment Agency, fly tipping is enforceable under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Depending on how severe the offence is and the damage caused, you could end up in prison for five years, or be issued with a fine of up to £50,000. 

Offences on the less severe side may still warrant a prison sentence of up to 12 months, or having to pay for the cost of the waste’s removal. For cases of household fly tipping, fixed penalties of £100 could be handed out. This can also be given to homeowners who fail to stick to local bin collection.

If a company breaches its responsibility to dispose of waste safely and responsibly, they could be given a fine of up to £5,000. What’s more, companies which continue to do this can have the use of their vehicles severely restricted.

Will I get a fine for using an unlicensed waste carrier?

Unfortunately, if you elect to dispose of your waste through an unlicensed waste carrier and they fly tip your waste – the fine is on you. And that’s even if they had told you otherwise. 

Consequently, to avoid fines and any run ins with the law, the best thing to do is always make doubly sure that the waste carrier you are using has a full license. To check this, all you have to do is check online with the Environment Agency, which you can do here.

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If you’re concerned about disposing of your waste legally, then don’t hesitate to call Enfield Skips. As a fully-licensed waste carrier, you can expect nothing but transparency and a first class service. If you’d like any further advice, or to enquire about any of products or services, give our friendly staff a call or contact us on our website.