Fly-tipping and fly-posting

It is a criminal offence to fly-tip. There are various levels of penalties for fly-tipping, and the maximum penalty includes a fine of up to £50,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment. Conviction in a Crown Court may result in an unlimited fine and/or five years imprisonment.
 
Report fly-tipping

What is fly-tipping?

Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste. It can vary in scale from a bin bag of rubbish to large quantities of waste dumped from trucks. Fly-tipped waste may be found anywhere from roadsides and car parks to cemeteries and public footpaths or even private land.

Waste includes:

  • general household waste, such as bin bags
  • larger domestic items, for example, fridges, mattresses etc
  • garden refuse
  • clinical waste
  • commercial waste, for example, builder’s rubble, renovation waste, tyres etc.

We investigate every fly-tip found on public land and prosecute any person suspected of fly-tipping. Fly-tips on public land are removed by our environmental contractor Serco. If the waste is causing a danger on the public highway, it is the responsibility of Surrey County Council.

Getting rid of your waste legally

Placing items you no longer want beyond your household boundary is also regarded as fly-tipping. Keep them secure until you have made arrangements to dispose of them lawfully. You can:

  • Take them to a local waste recycling centre.
  • Use our collection service for any bulky items you may have.
  • Arrange for someone to remove your waste. If you do this, choose a registered waste carrier and always ask to see their licence – you can check this on the Environment Agency public register. Get a receipt confirming what they've taken, where they've disposed of the waste and the payment made.

Fly-posting

Fly-posting is putting up unauthorised posters and stickers, usually adverts, in public places. Fly-posting is against the law.

Report fly-posting

Removal of fly-posting from public places is carried out by our environmental contractor Serco. If the fly-posting is on the public highway, it is the responsibility of Surrey County Council.