Fly tipping and the law

Fly tipping is a criminal offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Offenders can be fined up to £20,000 and/or 6 months' imprisonment. Fines are unlimited if the case goes to the Crown Court or up to 2 years' imprisonment, and up to 5 years if hazardous waste is dumped.

It is also an offence to permit or authorise fly-tipping on land where a Waste Management License is not held.

Where fly-tipping involves the use of a vehicle, the driver can be prosecuted, as can the owner of the vehicle.

The police also have powers to seize vehicles used for fly-tipping.

Download

ENCAMS (formerly the Keep Britain Tidy group) have produced a guide for the public about fly tipping and the law.

To download it, click on the PDF icon below: