Fly tipping is a serious problem, not just in Cannock Chase District but across the UK. As well as pursuing fly-tippers, environmental health officers regularly trace fly-tipping back to households in Cannock Chase and further afield. If you give your waste to someone without checking they are a registered waste carrier, you risk officers visiting your house, being questioned, being issued with a fixed penalty notice or even prosecuted. Check that a waste carrier is registered online or by calling 08708 506 506
The Council uses a range of tactics to catch fly-tippers including searching waste for evidence, overt and covert surveillance, using waste tracking devices, stopping vehicles carrying waste and carrying out checks. We also offer a reward of £250 to people who provide evidence that leads to a conviction.
Fly-tippers face up to five years imprisonment, an unlimited fine, seizure and forfeiture of the vehicle and disqualification from driving.
- What is fly-tipping?
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Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste. This could involve a single bin bag up to lorry loads of hazardous waste. Fly-tipping occurs everywhere including country lanes, parks, behind shops, and in lay-bys.
Impacts
Fly-tipping can:
- Cost money to remove, often money that could be spent on other public services
- Be harmful to health
- Pollute the environment
- Lead to other crime, such as arson or more fly-tipping
- Harm wildlife
- Block roads
- Attract pests such as rats and mice
Private Land
- Where there is evidence, the Council will investigate fly-tipping that occurs anywhere in the District, regardless of whether it is on public or private land.
- However, the Council will not remove fly-tipping from private land. This is the responsibility of the owner or occupier of the land.
- There are circumstances where the Council will require the owner or occupier of the land to remove the fly-tipping.
Penalties
Fly-tipping is a serious criminal offence. The penalties include:
- Imprisonment for up to five years
- An unlimited fine
- Seizure or forfeiture of the vehicle used to commit the offence
- Disqualification from driving
For more information contact Environmental Health on 01543 462621 or email environmentalhealth@cannockchasedc.gov.uk.
- Follow the SCRAP Code
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If you are paying someone to dispose of waste, always to remember to follow the SCRAP code...
- Suspect all waste carriers. Don't let them take your waste until they provide proof of being a registered waste carrier. Note their vehicle registration number.
- Check that a waste carrier is registered online or by calling 08708 506 506.
- Refuse any unexpected offers to have your rubbish taken away.
- Ask how your rubbish will be disposed of - seek evidence of this.
- Paperwork must be obtained: a proper invoice, waste transfer note or receipt, including a description of the waste being removed and the waste carrier’s contact details.
- Remember your waste is your responsibility!
- Report Waste Crime
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If you witness a vehicle being used to fly-tip follow these instructions.
If the offence is in progress, and it is safe to do so, call 999.
If the fly-tipping has already occurred, and you have evidence to provide, contact the Council by calling 01543 462621, or emailing environmentalhealth@cannockchasedc.gov.uk
You will need to provide:
- The date and time of the offence
- The location of the offence
- The make, model, colour and registration number of the vehicle
- A description of the people involved
- A description of the waste
If you want to provide intelligence about people involved in fly-tipping, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.