Fly-tipping

The illegal dumping of waste (fly tipping) is a serious environmental problem which Mendip are dedicated in combating. It is illegal and punishable by a fine of up to £50,000. Fly tipping is unsightly and hazardous. Mendip District Council have an excellent record in the removal of fly-tips.

In an effort to reduce the number of fly tipping incidences, the Council provides a bulky items collection for large items. (see Useful Pages)

The Council does not clear dumped rubbish from private land, which is the responsibility of the landowner / tenant.

It is important to realise that some wastes require special treatment in respect of handling and disposal and this must be removed by a specialist contractor .

Fly tipping is often associated with dumping waste from vehicles. In this case the person controlling the use of the vehicle can also be prosecuted which means that it is possible for a prosecution to occur when only the vehicle, not the driver, is identifiable.

The Police also have the powers to seize vehicles used for fly tipping.

If you discover fly tipped waste after the tippers have left, please follow these simple DOs and DON'Ts:

DO NOT TOUCH THE WASTE : fly tipped waste can be dangerous - it may contain syringes, broken glass, asbestos, toxic chemicals or other hazardous substances.

VISUALLY INSPECT THE WASTE : try to determine what the waste consists of and how much there is.

TAKE NOTE OF ITS EXACT LOCATION : and also, whether it is in or near water.

DO NOT DISTURB THE SITE : there may be evidence that could help identify the culprits and lead to their prosecution.

How to Report the Incident

If you see someone fly tipping please make a note of:

• day
• date
• time you saw the tipping

What you saw:

• how many people were fly tipping and what they looked like
• what they were actually doing
• any vehicles involved - their make, colour and registration number

Where were you when you saw the fly tipping:

• what kind of view you had
• how far away you were
• weather and light conditions

What was tipped:

• how much?
• what it looked like?

REMEMBER - DON'T PUT YOURSELF AT RISK!

Contact Customer Services by phone to report the incident or use the contact form on this web page.

FAQs

Will the Council clear all dumped rubbish?

In most instances, this authority, Mendip District Council, will clear dumped rubbish from public land.

If, however, the rubbish has been dumped in the road and causes a safety hazard the Somerset County Council's Highways Department should remove it. If it's on private land it is the landowners / tenants responsibility to remove it.

Contact

Last Updated

04 June 2010

Page last updated on 04 June 2010