#SCRAP: the fight against fly-tipping

About the campaign

We have launched a new fly-tipping campaign based around the SCRAP code, which tells people how to follow their duty of care when they have waste to get rid of:

• Suspect all waste carriers until they have provided their licence
• Check their licence details on the public register for waste carriers (environment.data.gov.uk)
• Refuse unexpected offers to take your waste away
• Ask how your rubbish will be disposed of 
• Paperwork: get an invoice or receipt for the waste they’re taking which includes their contact details

Did you know that rubbish you've handed to someone else is still your legal responsibility until it is correctly disposed of?

If someone, such as an unlicensed 'man in a van' found online, were to fly-tip your waste, you could end up paying a fine or being taken to court.

If a professional transports waste on your behalf, such as debris left over from a job they've done for you, they also need to be registered as a waste carrier, and dispose of any waste in a responsible manner. Search the register of waste carriers, brokers and dealers (environment.data.gov.uk)

Report it

If you see a fly-tip, report fly-tipping to us

Offences

Fly-tipping offences relate more to businesses (particularly those involved in waste management), than to domestic households.

Householders do not require a licence for their waste. However, it is an offence for householders to dispose of waste in a way that is harmful to the environment or human health. The legislation is primarily targeted at fly-tipping and other illegal waste transfers that cost councils millions of pounds to clean up. 

Fixed penalty notices can be issued or a person can be prosecuted for an offence, and face imprisonment and/or a fine.

Last updated: 02/08/2024 13:44