Fly Tipping

Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste, and it has serious consequences for our environment, communities, and public safety. It can:

  • Pollute land and water
  • Harm wildlife and pose health risks
  • Cost thousands of pounds to clean up
  • Spoil the appearance of our towns and countryside, and contribute to crime and safety concerns

Thankfully, most people take pride in keeping our district clean. But we need your help to stop the small minority who continue to dump waste illegally. By reporting fly-tipping and other environmental crimes, you’re helping protect our community and bring offenders to justice.

 

How to report fly-tipping

You can report fly-tipping quickly and easily in the following ways:

 

What to do if you witness or discover fly-tipping

If you see someone fly-tipping, please try to note:

  • How many people are involved and what they look like
  • What’s being dumped – type and quantity of waste
  • Vehicle details – make, colour, and registration number (if safe to do so)

If you find fly-tipped waste, please:

  • Do not touch it – it may be hazardous
  • Do not disturb the site – there may be evidence that helps identify the offenders
  • Try to assess what the waste is and how much there is
  • Note the date, time, and exact location, especially if it’s near water
  • Take a photo only if it’s safe to do so
  • ⚠️ Please be cautious – fly-tipping is a criminal act, and those involved may not respond well to being observed or photographed.

 

What we’re doing to tackle fly-tipping

When you report a fly-tip, our Environmental Crime Team takes swift action to investigate and address the issue. Here's what happens next:

 

1. Reviewing your report

We assess the details you’ve provided. One of our officers may contact you if we need further information to support the investigation.

 

2. Site inspection

We may visit the location to confirm the report, assess the type and scale of waste, determine land ownership, and gather evidence.

 

3. Arranging clearance

  • If the waste is on public or council-owned land, our street cleansing contractor will be tasked with removing it.
  • If the waste is on private land, we’ll notify the landowner. Please note that the council is not responsible for clearing waste from private property.

 

4. Investigation

If we find evidence that could help identify those responsible, we will pursue further enquiries and take appropriate enforcement action.

 

Vehicle seizure powers

Our Environmental Crime Team, working alongside Kent Police, has the authority to seize, impound, and crush vehicles used in fly-tipping offences. Both the driver and vehicle owner can be prosecuted.

If your vehicle has been seized, you’ll need to provide the documentation listed in the seizure notice to reclaim it.

Learn more about vehicle seizures»

 

Prosecution and legal action

Fly-tipping is a criminal offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Offenders can face:

  • A Fixed Penalty Notice of £1,000
  • Or, if prosecuted in court, an unlimited fine and up to five years’ imprisonment

We are committed to holding offenders accountable and may publicise the names of those convicted through the local press to deter future offences.

 

What you can do?

Householders

Your duty of care

As a householder, you have a legal duty of care to ensure your waste is disposed of responsibly.
Even if someone else fly-tips your waste on your behalf, you can still be prosecuted.
If it’s your waste, it’s your responsibility.

To protect yourself and the environment, always use a registered waste carrier.
You can find one in your area via the Environment Agency’s website.

Follow the SCRAP code

When arranging waste removal, we recommend following the SCRAP code:

  • Suspect all waste carriers – don’t let anyone take your rubbish until they show proof of registration. Note their vehicle registration.
  • Check their registration on the Environment Agency’s website.
  • Refuse unexpected offers to take your waste away.
  • Ask how your waste will be disposed of – request evidence.
  • Paperwork is essential – get a proper invoice, waste transfer note or receipt, including a description of the waste and the carrier’s contact details.

Responsible ways to dispose of household waste

  • Use your kerbside bin collection

Visit our bins and recycling page to learn what can go in your bins and when collections take place.

  • Use local recycling banks or household waste recycling centres

 Find your nearest centre, check opening times, and learn how to get a permit for vans or trailers.

  • Book a bulky waste collection

We offer a service to collect large items directly from your home. Visit our bulky waste page for details.

  • Sell or donate unwanted items 

Use platforms like eBay, Gumtree, Freecycle, or local social media groups. Donate to charity shops when they’re open and accepting items.

Businesses

What businesses need to know about waste disposal

Every business in the UK—no matter its size—has a legal duty of care to manage its waste responsibly. This means:

  • Ensuring waste is stored, handled, and disposed of safely
  • Using a registered waste carrier or registering to carry your own waste
  • Keeping accurate waste documentation (e.g. Waste Transfer Notes) for at least two years

⚠️ Ignorance of the law is not a defence—businesses can face unlimited fines if their waste is found fly-tipped and they cannot show they took reasonable steps to prevent it.

Get help complying with the law:

Landowners

Advice for landowners: Preventing fly-tipping

Fly-tipping on private land is illegal and costly—and landowners are responsible for clearing it. Here’s how you can help prevent it:

  • Secure your land: Use locked gates, fencing, or natural barriers to restrict access.
  • Install signage: Clear “No Fly-Tipping” signs can deter offenders and show you're monitoring the site.
  • Monitor the area: Use CCTV or trail cameras where possible, and check remote areas regularly.
  • Work with neighbours: Share information and coordinate efforts to protect larger areas.
  • Report incidents: If fly-tipping occurs, don’t touch the waste—report it to the council and Environment Agency.

For advice or support, contact our Environmental Crime Team:

  • 01304 872289
  • envcrime@dover.gov.uk

Other information and resources

Abandoned shopping trolleys

We do not collect abandoned shopping trolleys as they are the property of the retailer. 

To report an abandoned shopping trolley, you can try the following:

Information leaflets