How our Rural Engagement Team support local councils to tackle fly-tipping

Our Rural Engagement Team are asking people who see dumped rubbish to report it to the local council.

They’re supporting the Essex-wide SCRAP campaign against fly-tipping.

Inspector Terry Jacobs says:

“Fly-tipping can range from a discarded bag of rubbish to a large quantity of waste dumped from a truck owned by organised criminal gangs. It can vary from household items to chemicals and other noxious substances, such as asbestos."

“Not only do these things damage our environment, fly-tips pose a threat to humans, animals and other wildlife in so many ways.
“While the cost to councils or private landowners of clearing up can be hundreds or even thousands of pounds.”
Inspector Terry Jacobs

Rural engagement officers patrol with council staff to enable them to undertake enforcement action.

“We can use police powers under the Road Traffic Act to stop vehicles to engage with people carrying waste.
“Councils have a responsibility to record fly-tipping incidents and they will investigate. We will support them in joint patrols to allow them to use their powers.”
Inspector Terry Jacobs

When it comes to matters involving waste carriers’ licences and organised crime, police will make initial investigations before handing the case to the Environment Agency.

Terry warns: 

“You may be offered cheap disposal by a firm but think twice, things are often cheap for a reason.
“And you can be fined or prosecuted if your waste is dumped illegally, even if you didn’t do it yourself.”

• For details on how to report fly-tipping, how to dispose of your waste responsibly and how to check a waste collector’s licence, visit the Love Essex website
• Fly-tipping and littering covers a range of items that people might discard in a public place, from large appliances like fridges to drugs-related paraphernalia like needles and syringes. Find out more on our webpage about anti-social behaviour

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