Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste. It creates an eyesore, and shows a complete lack of respect for the environment and the effect it has on others. This doesn’t only include the dumping of waste in lay-bys, but also the incorrect disposal of any waste by householders.
On average Norwich City Council deals with around 350 fly-tipping incidents a month or about 4,500 a year. The total cost, including officer time and administration, is around £200,000.
Fly-tipping is dangerous, ugly and a serious offence. Penalties for fly-tipping can reach up to £50,000 and/or six months imprisonment. Fines are unlimited if the case goes to the crown court, or can lead to up to two years imprisonment. This could rise to five years if hazardous waste is dumped.
Since fly-tipping awareness week in April 2007, Norwich City Council has undertaken many in-depth investigations leading to formal interviews and in some cases prosecution. Norwich City Council has hidden cameras in place at fly-tipping hot spots to help us catch offenders.
Norwich City Council is a member of the Norfolk Waste Enforcement Group (NWEG). This group is working together to investigate cases and carry out education and enforcement campaigns to tackle the problem of fly tipping.
Future campaigns include joint agency roadside inspections on vehicles to check carriers are registered to transport waste. Non-compliance will result in the issuing of a fixed penalty notice of £300.
How to report a fly-tipping incident
To help us crack down on fly-tipping and to clean up your neighbourhood please report incidents to the council on 0344 980 3333 or email info@norwich.gov.uk. Alternaltively you can complete the online reporting form.
If possible record the following information:
- date, time, place
- description of people seen
- vehicle details including make, model, colour and registration
- type of waste
Please remember that fly-tipping is an illegal activity. Never do anything that may threaten your safety and never attempt to sort through fly-tipped rubbish as it may be dangerous.
Illegally dumped business waste
The council investigates all incidents of illegally dumped business waste. Businesses must ensure that their waste is taken away using a Licensed Waste Carrier — it is illegal to use an unlicensed carrier. The Environment Agency can advise as to which waste carriers are licenced.
All investigations are carried out in accordance with the Enforcement policy, below.
Enforcement policy (115 Kb pdf)
All producers of business waste are required to produce, when requested, a duty of care certificate — which will be provided by that registered waste carrier. These must be kept for two years. Failure to produce these documents will result in a fixed penalty notice being served of £300.