Help stop fly tipping
Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of rubbish on land that doesn’t have a waste licence. In this article, we’ll explain what to do if you come across a fly tip and how you can make sure your own waste isn’t fly-tipped.
What counts as fly tipping?
It's considered fly tipping to leave rubbish:
- on roadsides;
- in alleyways;
- in parks;
- next to bins;
- outside a closed charity shop or donation bank;
- outside a recycling centre;
- outside your home’s boundaries with a note offering it for free;
- or anywhere else that doesn’t have a waste licence.
What should I do if I see a fly tip?
If you come across a fly tip you should report it to the local authority for the area. For fly tips in Chelmsford, please submit a report online or call 01245 606 606.
Take a look at Love Essex’s website for information on how to report fly tips in other parts of Essex.
What happens if someone fly tips?
Fly tippers can be prosecuted or face an unlimited fine. Everyone's waste is their own responsibility, so even if someone else dumps your waste without you knowing, you can be held responsible. That’s why it’s important to make sure anyone you pay to take your rubbish away for you is a licensed waste collector.
How can I make sure my waste isn’t fly tipped?
Chelmsford City Council offers a collection service for large items like fridges, beds, sofas, and garden furniture. You can book this service online or by calling 01245 615 800.
For any items that your local council can’t take away as part of their large item collection service, you can use LoveJunk. This is an online market place to help you find licensed waste carriers. All collections are fully tracked and you’ll receive all the correct paperwork.
Anything that can be reused will be collected for a lower charge, or even for free.
You can get £10 off your first collection by using the code ESSEX10.
If you choose to find your own waste collector, Love Essex has a handy acronym to help you remember what to do to prevent your rubbish being fly tipped, called SCRAP. This stands for the following.
- Suspect all waste collectors. Only let them take your rubbish if they show their waste carrier licence. Write down their vehicle's registration number for your records.
- Check the waste collector's license. If in doubt, check on the Environment Agency's website or call them on 03708 506 506.
- Refuse unexpected offers to take your rubbish. You could be at risk if they fly tip it.
- Ask how your rubbish will be disposed of and ask for evidence.
- Paperwork is your proof. Get an invoice, waste transfer note, or receipt. Make sure it includes a description of the waste taken and the waste carrier’s contact details.
Community litter pick
Here at CHP, we’re supporting the new countywide campaign to tackle fly-tipping called Let’s SCRAP Fly Tipping, led by Essex County Council. This campaign aims to equip people with the knowledge and tools to get rid of household waste in a responsible way.
On Friday 21 February, a group of our colleagues, members of the public, and volunteers from the Chelmsford Litter Wombles joined together for a community litter pick in Melbourne. This area of Chelmsford has been highlighted as a hotspot for fly tipping, so by focusing on this area, we were able to help clean it up and make a difference for the residents living there.