Fly-tipping

We treat the problem of fly-tipping very seriously and where possible will seek to prosecute anyone caught illegally dumping waste.

To help us to respond to incidents of fly-tipping promptly and effectively, please do not hesitate to report an incident to us. If we don't know about it, we can't deal with it.

If you actually see someone fly-tipping, or have information that might enable us to investigate an incident of fly-tipping, please let us know as soon as possible. 

You do not have to give your details when you contact us about fly-tipping but it may help us if we need to get back to you for further information, and we keep all details provided to us confidential throughout the course of any investigation.

Reducing fly-tipping in Suffolk

#SCRAP flytipping

Our #SCRAPflytipping campaign is live across Suffolk and in other counties across the UK.

This campaign aims to prevent the problem of fly tipping before it is created. The campaign is aimed at residents and businesses whose waste is sometimes fly tipped by unlicensed operators. It aims to remind people that they should only allow licensed waste carriers to take waste away for them and how to check a waste carriers license. It also raises awareness of the issue of fly tipping and how to report it, leading to more reports helping to find those responsible.

What we do

Our Cleansing, Refuse and Environmental Services Teams work together to take preventative measures, investigate incidents, and clean up or remove illegally dumped waste.

We are responsible for removing litter and fly-tipping, or dumped rubbish, from public land. Public land includes roads, pavements, adopted passageways, council-owned car parks, parks and recreation areas, lay-bys, and so forth. There is no charge for this service.

Officers will clear incidents of fly-tipping on public land as soon as possible, with the majority of incidents being removed within 24 hours of reporting. While they are doing this, they will try to identify the source of the waste and take appropriate enforcement action where possible. We work with the Environment Agency to identify incidents that may be linked to organised and systematic breaches of waste licensing law.

Occasionally, specialist equipment may need to be hired or a large amount of evidence gathered. This can take time, so please do bear with us. Unless there is a serious imminent risk to public health or the environment, we may not be able to get such deposits removed immediately.

Officers can respond to reports of fly-tipping on private land by investigating the circumstances and trying to identify the source of the waste, where possible. However we are under no obligation to remove waste dumped on private land. The Suffolk Waste Partnership’s guide to reporting and tackling fly-tipping in Suffolk includes advice to landowners about how to protect land from fly-tipping.

Getting rid of waste

You can help reduce our impact on the environment by making maximum use of the available recycling facilities. If you have large items to dispose of, the councils offers a bulky household waste collection service (for which charges apply).

Items of household waste that cannot be put into your wheeled bin can be taken to one of the Household Waste Recycling Centres run by Suffolk County Council. Some hazardous waste is not accepted at these sites, please check before visiting.

Fly-tipping and the law

The fly tipping of controlled waste is a serious criminal offence which carries a fine of up to £50,000 (unlimited if indicted to the Crown Court) or an offender can even be sent to prison. Fly tipping is often associated with dumping waste from vehicles. In this case the person controlling the use of the vehicle can also be prosecuted, which means that it is possible for a prosecution to occur when only the vehicle, not the driver, is identifiable. In addition to this, vehicles involved in fly tipping can be seized. There are also a number of other possible penalties, including fixed penalty notices of £200.

How to report fly-tipping

There are a few simple rules you need to follow to provide the best information possible, keep yourself safe and preserve the evidence. If you discover fly-tipped waste after the tippers have left, please:

  • Do not touch the waste as it can be dangerous - it may contain syringes, broken glass, asbestos, toxic chemicals or other hazardous substances
  • Visually inspect it and try to determine its contents and how much there is
  • Take note of its exact location and whether it is in or near water
  • Do not disturb the site - there may be evidence that could help identify the culprits and lead to their prosecution

You can report fly-tipping by using our online fly-tipping reporting form or you can contact our Customer Services Team directly.

If you see someone fly tipping, please make a note of:

  • The day, date and time you saw the tipping

What you saw:

  • How many people and what they looked like
  • What they were doing and what was tipped
  • Any vehicles involved (make, colour and registration number)

Where you were when you saw the fly-tipping:

  • What kind of view you had and how far away you were
  • Weather and light conditions