Fly-tipping FAQs
What is it?
“Fly-tipping is the illegal deposit of any waste on to land that does not have a licence to accept it,” according to Keep Britain Tidy. From a bag full of rubbish, a mattress or an old fridge to a truck full of construction waste, fly-tipping is illegal regardless of size or quantity. In Wales, fly-tipping costs us around £2 million a year.
Can I report it?
Yes. If you see someone dumping rubbish illegally, you can report it to your local authority (see links at bottom of page). By reporting the crime, the waste can be safely removed, and the offender could be caught and prosecuted. If possible, record as many details as you can, such as quantity, content, date, time, location, persons involved and/or registration numbers.
What is the punishment for fly-tipping?
It is a criminal offence under Section 3 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and the crime can carry a penalty of up to £50,000 and/or imprisonment. Last year in Wales, prosecution rates for offenders was 95%.
What should I do with my large waste items?
Bulky items, like cooking appliances and furniture, should be transported to your local recycling and refuse centre. If you are unable to do so, most local authorities provide a bulky waste collection service. Contact your council to arrange a collection. Remember, if you pay someone to remove your waste, and they fly-tip, you can still be held responsible and punished. Ensure that they are a registered waste carrier.
How do I report fly tipping?
You can report fly tipping online here:
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
You can also call the police (non-emergency) on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the Environment Agency on 0800 807 060.
If you live in the Vale of Glamorgan, we also recommend following the Vale of Glamorgan Council Enforcement Service on Twitter @EnforcementVog.
