Let’s start with the facts – fly-tipping is a criminal offence. It is defined as the ‘illegal deposit of any waste onto land that does not have a licence to accept it’. So, when you’re driving down the road and see bin bags, old furniture, mattresses and general waste strewn in the street, this is illegal.
According to a study in 2016/2017, there were more than a million incidences of fly-typing. Your local council has to deal with this waste and it is estimated that in 20/2017 the cost of clearing up this waste was over £58 million. In 2019/20 it is said that this increased to 1.12 million cases.
We are sure you would agree that those funds could be better placed to deal with other issues in your local area! So read on to find out more about how you can tackle fly tipping in Sheffield and Rotherham.
What Is Fly Tipping?
These days, most of us are mindful of our waste and waste disposal. Unfortunately, and according to the stats, there are still a lot of people who have no regard for our local environment and dispose of their waste in an illegal manner.
Fly-tipping is the illegal act of dumping waste or unwanted items in unauthorised areas, such as along the roadside, public spaces, private land etc. This includes items such as garden waste, furniture appliances, and even harmful and hazardous materials which can cause a serious risk to wildlife and public health.
Unfortunately, there are also companies that claim, and advertise, as being waste removal services. Rather than pay for a licence to dispose of your waste properly, they fly-tip your goods on private land and on the roadside. In 2018 a man from Sheffield who claimed to be a waste removal service and who made bold claims that he had all the necessary licences, was fined £2,000 for fly-tipping.
Why Is Fly Tipping Waste An Issue?
Other than the financial burden to the public for clearing up fly-tipping and the lack of funding already available to local councils, fly-tipping is dangerous for the environment.
- Risk To Public Health
Fly-tipping poses a health risk to the public. It attracts vermin such as rats etc, insects and pests which increases the risk of disease transmission.
- Risk To Physical Health
Disregarded sharp items or toxic substances can also pose a risk to physical health, especially when these are dumped in public places where children may come into contact with them.
- Environmental Issues
Fly-tipping causes damage and pollution to the environment. In a time where looking after our environment and resources have become more and more important, it is shocking to see the disregard that some people have for their own local environment.
- Harm To Wildlife
Hazardous materials, chemicals and non-biodegradable items contaminate soil and water sources. This can affect plants, animals and marine life by disrupting their natural habitats.
How To Report Fly Tipping in South Yorkshire
If you spot someone in the act of fly-tipping, we do not recommend that you approach or confront them. As this is an illegal act, they don’t want to be caught. So you should not put yourself at risk of confrontation or intimidation from them.
We suggest that you keep a safe distance. Try to obtain their vehicle registration details and a description of the people responsible. When they’ve left the scene, gather as much information as you can about what waste has been disposed of.
This can then be reported to your local council or the Environment Agency.
- Sheffield
To report incidences of fly-tipping in Sheffield, you can do this online, or alternatively, you can contact Sheffield City Council at 0114 273 4567
- Barnsley
To report fly-tipping in Barnsley, you can do this by contacting Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council online
- Doncaster
Report an incident directly to Doncaster Council online or alternatively call 01302 736000
- Rotherham
You can report fly-tipping in Rotherham by contacting Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council online
- Environment Agency
You can also contact the Environment Agency using their national hotline number 0800 807060
The Responsibility Of Businesses To Dispose Of Their Waste Correctly
Most businesses are now very aware of their carbon footprint. They also have a responsibility to ensure that they are working to be as sustainable as possible. As business owners, you have a duty of care to dispose of and recycle all waste appropriately.
If you are a business and looking to dispose of your waste correctly, you should ensure that the waste removal service you are engaging with does hold the appropriate licences to do so.
We also recommend that you keep business transfer notes. These show what items you are disposing of, and who you have delegated this responsibility to. You should also keep invoices and proof of licences.
You can find information on the Government’s public register to check whether the company you are engaging with holds the necessary licences and permits.
How To Choose A Reliable Waste Disposal Company
We are all working toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. Disposal of waste is of paramount importance to protect our own health and the environment.
For commercial bins or one-off collections, you may need to engage with a waste disposal company.
We have put together a handy checklist so you can be sure that you are disposing of your waste responsibly:
Type of Waste
There are specific protocols for certain types of waste. This includes medical or hazardous waste, bulky items, electronics and technology etc. Make a clear list of the items you need to dispose of.
Check if The Company Can Accommodate Your Waste
Some companies may only be licenced to remove certain types of waste. So enquire with them and ask what they can and cannot take from you.
Check The Company’s Insurance, Licences/Permits
Once your chosen company has confirmed they can accommodate your waste, you must check that they have the appropriate licences to dispose of your waste.
You can also enquire as to where your waste will be taken. You can check licences/permits on the Government’s Website.
Keep Receipts And Inventory
We recommend that you keep a clear inventory of the waste you have passed over together with receipts and information about the company.
If your waste does end up being fly-tipped and your personal information is within it – you have evidence of the company and the items that you paid to be removed.