Fly tipping, also known as illegal dumping, is the act of disposing of waste illegally in areas such as public spaces, parks, alleyways, and private property. It is a growing problem in the UK and can have severe consequences for both the environment and the community. It is important to understand what is classed as fly tipping and what actions can be taken to prevent it.
What Defines Fly Tipping In The UK
In the UK, fly tipping is defined as the illegal deposit of waste on land that does not have a license to accept it. This can include anything from household waste, construction materials, and electrical items to hazardous waste, such as asbestos or chemicals. Even something as small as dumping a single bag of rubbish can be classified as fly tipping.
What Is The Penalty For Fly Tipping
Fly tipping is a criminal offence and can result in severe penalties. Those caught committing this offence can be fined up to £50,000 or face up to 12 months in prison, depending on the severity of the incident. Landowners who fail to take reasonable steps to prevent fly tipping on their property can also be held liable.
How To Stop Fly Tipping Companies
We do our part every day by operating as a company which is fully licensed by the UK environment agency to dispose of waste legally and responsibly. We have also joined forces with AFTA – The Anti Fly Tipping Association of the United Kingdom. AFTA are going above and beyond to combat fly tipping. It is our recommendation that if you use a company for any work which involves waste disposal that you check that they have a waste carriers liscense and that they are members of AFTA so you know that your waste will be handled responsibly.
It is important to note that not all waste disposal is classified as fly tipping. There are legal ways to dispose of waste, such as using a licensed waste carrier, taking waste to a recycling centre, or using a skip hire service. However, it is essential to ensure that the waste is disposed of legally and responsibly.
Preventing fly tipping is everyone’s responsibility. It is important to dispose of waste legally and responsibly to avoid the environmental and public health risks associated with illegal dumping. This can include properly disposing of waste in designated bins or taking it to a licensed waste facility. It is also important to report any incidents of fly tipping to the relevant authorities, such as the local council, to ensure the proper steps are taken to address the problem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fly tipping is a serious offence in the UK and can result in severe penalties. It is important to understand what is classified as fly tipping and take steps to prevent it from occurring. Responsible waste disposal and reporting any incidents of illegal dumping are essential in the fight against fly tipping.
