This section of the Dumb Dumpers website aims to provide information for members of the public, land managers and businesses about flytipping. If you are an officer of the enforcement authorities please visit the Practitioners section.
Figures collected in Scotland show that householders are the main source of flytipping, either because they dump the waste themselves or because they haven't checked that someone removing it on their behalf (such as carpet fitters, plumbers and joiners) has disposed of it properly. What many householders don't realise is that they can dispose of their waste free through their local recycling centre or civic amenity site. Councils also operate bulky uplift systems (some may charge a small fee but many offer a free uplift service) for those who are unable to move large items themselves.
And if you own, run or manage a business then you are responsible for the disposal of the waste generated by your business. It is therefore important that you know and understand your responsibilities and that you know how to operate your business within the law. You should establish a trade waste collection agreement with your local council, the council's waste contractor or an authorised private contractor.
Whether you are a householder or a business, dumping waste is illegal, and really dumb. If you do it, or if someone does it on your behalf, you can be prosecuted. So rather than taking the risk of being caught flytipping and fined £40,000, it's well worth going through the proper channels!
This is not a victimless crime, we estimate that it costs council tax payers more than £11 million every year to clear up dumping from council land. It is also important to realise that farmers and other land managers have to meet the cost of clearing rubbish dumped on their land and this is costing them around £1,000 each every year.
To find out about the proper waste disposal facilities available in your area, please see our recommended Disposal Options. Or if you see someone dumping rubbish illegally, please call the Dumb Dumpers Stop Line on 0845 2 30 40 90.