Fly-Tipping
What is Fly-Tipping?
Fly Tip
Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of waste. Any type of waste can be fly-tipped but it most commonly involves:
- Furniture
- Black bags of rubbish
- Hedge/tree prunings
- White goods (fridges/freezers)
- Demolition waste
Why is Fly-Tipping a Problem?
- It can pollute watercourses and land
- It can be dangerous to animals and fish
- It attracts vermin
- It looks unsightly
- It attracts other rubbish
- It undermines legitimate waste businesses.
- It costs the tax payer to clear up.
Who deals with Fly-Tipping?
Lancaster City Council and the Environment Agency have responsibility to deal with fly tipping in the Lancaster district.
Lancaster City Council are responsible for clearing and investigating fly tipping on public land such as roads, parks and ginnels.
The Environment Agency investigates larger scale fly tips involving hazardous waste and organised crime gangs.
Reporting Fly-Tipping
If you discover a fly tip please report it to Lancaster City Council on 01524 582491 with as much information as possible including:
- Location
- Time and date it was dumped
- Description of the waste
- Description of the persons/vehicles involved including registration number
Alternatively you can report fly-tipping online:
Fly-Tipping and the law
Lancaster City Council and The Environment Agency will investigate fly tipping on public land, gather evidence and where possible prosecute the individuals or businesses involved.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 Fly Tipping is a criminal offence.
The maximum fine for fly tipping is £50,000 in magistrates court and unlimited in the higher courts and up to 5 years imprisonment.