Litter and Fly Tipping
Fly tipping, litter and the illegal dumping of waste are issues that we take very seriously.
Litter and fly tipping can be dangerous to both the public and the environment and is an irresponsible act, undertaken by the minority.
In an attempt to clamp down on this unacceptable behaviour we have dedicated Enforcement Officers who patrol the District looking for offenders and ensure an efficient response to complaints regarding dumped waste.
It is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to fly tip any material and conviction could lead to a heavy fine.
How do I report a litter or fly tipping problem?
If you seesomeone littering or fly tipping please complete our on-line form on the home page of our website telephone our Contact Centres immediately on 01246 242424.
You must give us the location, description of offender, time, date and any vehicle that may have been used – we will then do the rest and take the appropriate action against any offender.
Equally, please report any areas where fly tipping or littering has occurred.
Do you provide litter bins?
Yes, we and Parish\Town Councils provide litter bins where there is the potential for litter to be discarded throughout the District.
The bins are emptied on a regular basis, but if you see one that is overflowing, please complete our on-line form on the home page of our website telephone our Contact Centres on 01246 242424 and we will make sure it is emptied.
If you wish to request a litter bin to be sited in a particular place or you see one that has been damaged or vandalised then please telephone our Contact Centres on 01246 242424.
What are you doing to combat this problem?
Although we cannot be everywhere to stop people throwing down litter or dumping their rubbish, our Enforcement Officers patrol the District on the lookout for potential offenders.
Where an offender who has dropped litter can be identified we will issue an immediate Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £50, payable within 14 days. If this FPN is not paid, then the offender will be taken to court.
We also undertake numerous advertising campaigns and special promotions to educate people and raise awareness of the dangers associated with litter and fly tipping.
We have also developed some temporary street graphics, using bio-degradable spray, reminding people not to drop litter.
What happens to those caught breaking the law?
We have a zero tolerance stance on litter and fly tipping so we do everything in our powers to ensure any offenders are dealt with as quickly and sternly as possible.
If anyone is caught breaking the Environmental Protection Act 1990, they will automatically be issued with a £50 fixed penalty charge, payable within 14 days.
If they do not pay this, then they will be taken to court, where further penalties may be applied.
What happens if the litter or fly tipping is on private land?
If the litter or fly tipping is on private land, we will contact the land owner and inform them they must take action to make sure the land is cleared, kept and maintained in a clean and safe way.
If this is not adhered to, we have the powers to take legal action. We will also give you clear advice on what action we have taken in response to your complaint.
Our standards are
- To empty litter bins within the District in accordance with our schedule.
- To meet the grades of cleanliness for litter and refuse as specified within Defra’s Code of Practice on Refuse and Litter (based on four different types of land or zones).
- To continue raising awareness of the problems litter and fly tipping cause and discourage people from this behaviour.
- To take enforcement action against those who litter or fly tip.
July 2015