Fly Tipping

Fly tipping can best be defined as the 'illegal deposit of any waste onto land' i.e. waste dumped or tipped on a site with no licence to accept such waste. Items that are dumped can range from normal household waste, larger domestic items, building waste or even whole cars!

The two main sources of tipping are businesses who dump waste to avoid charges levied by waste management companies and individuals who choose to dump waste rather than use local amenity sites.

The best method of cure for fly tipping is prevention. Typical measures to stop fly tippers gaining access to your premises may include:

• Lighting sites and installing CCTV surveillance
• Enclosing sites with fences and effective perimeter security
• Clearance of vegetation to increase site openness
• Gating any open paths or road entries
• Regular site inspections with record logs being retained

As a useful checklist, if fly tipping does occur consider the following steps:

• Inspect the waste visually only. Do not put yourself at risk
• Do not touch the waste as hidden items could be harmful
• Never disturb a site as there may be evidential material of use to the authorities
• Obtain advice on how to dispose of waste – contact your local Authority or Environmental Agency
• Contact the police and ask them to record the incident even if they choose not to follow it up
• Record details of what waste is removed and by whom
• Take photographs with a date facility

This article highlights a few of the measures that you can take to help protect your business against the cost and inconvenience of fly tipping.

Last reviewed 26/10/2011

To talk to an expert in your area and get a quote, contact your local insurance broker.