What To Do If Someone Dumps Rubbish on Your Property

When someone dumps rubbish on your private property, it’s hard not to immediately react with anger. Once that initial feeling subsides, you can act, and that’s what this blog is all about – what you can do it someone dumps rubbish on your property.

What to do when someone dumps rubbish on your property

Reporting the dumping of rubbish to your local council

What you might be surprised to hear, is that if someone fly tips and dumps rubbish on your property, it’s you who is responsible for clearing it. But before you do that, you must report it to the relevant authorities including as your local council as soon as you can. By reporting fly-tipping it’s hoped this can help prevents it from happening again. 

You should also report fly-tipping or illegal waste dumping to the Environment Agency. If the rubbish is hazardous or there are links to organised crime, the Environment Agency will investigate it. 

In England, fly-tipping is a criminal act, and those caught can face fines, prosecution, and even imprisonment. The council has the power to clear the waste from private property, but the cost of disposal will fall on you, the landowner or taxpayer. 

To report fly-tipping, contact their local council who will ask for details about the incident, such as the type and amount of waste, the location of the waste, and any identifying information about the perpetrators or vehicles involved.

The council should then investigate the dumping of rubbish on your property and may take action against the people who did it if they can be identified. In Ealing, for example, the council has a dedicated team to investigate incidents of fly-tipping and illegal dumping. The council also provides a bulky waste collection service for residents to dispose of large items such as furniture and garden waste.

Collect evidence

If someone dumps rubbish on your property, it is important to collect evidence to support any legal action you may take. The evidence you collect can help you identify the perpetrators and provide proof of the incident. 

Install CCTV cameras

One of the most effective ways to collect evidence is by installing CCTV cameras on your property. This can help you capture footage of the incident and identify the perpetrators. CCTV cameras are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, and they can be a powerful deterrent to would-be fly-tippers.

Take photographs

If you do not have CCTV cameras, you can still collect evidence by taking photographs of the dumped rubbish. Make sure you take photographs from different angles to show the extent of the problem. You should also take photographs of any identifiable items in the rubbish, such as packaging or furniture.

Keep a record of any incidents

It is important to keep a record of any incidents of fly-tipping on your property. This can include the date and time of the incident, the type and amount of rubbish dumped, and any other relevant information. Keeping a record can help you identify patterns of behaviour and provide evidence to support any legal action you may take.

Contact the police

If you believe the dumped rubbish is hazardous waste or there is evidence of organised crime, you should contact the police as soon as possible. They have the power to investigate waste crimes and prosecute perpetrators. You can also report fly-tipping anonymously to Crimestoppers.

Take legal action

If you are a landowner, you have the right to take legal action against fly-tippers. You can take action under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 or the Highways Act 1980. This can include prosecuting the perpetrators, claiming compensation for any damage caused, and recovering the costs of waste removal.

Civil litigation

You can also sue the person who dumped the rubbish on your property for damages in civil court. You would need to prove that the dumping caused you harm, such as property damage or loss of enjoyment of your property. You may also be able to recover the cost of cleaning up the rubbish.

Criminal prosecution

If the dumping was done intentionally and on a large scale, it may be considered a criminal offence. You can report it to the police, who will investigate and decide whether to prosecute the offender. If the offender is convicted, they may face a fine or imprisonment.

It is important to note that legal action can be time-consuming and expensive. You should weigh the costs and benefits before deciding to pursue it. It is also advisable to seek legal advice before taking any legal action.

Getting rid of the rubbish dumped on your property

If someone has dumped rubbish on your property and it’s been reported and evidenced, you will need to get it cleared. A company such as ours can help you dispose of large amounts of rubbish quickly and efficiently, saving you the time and effort.To find out more, click here to start a quote.

Did you know? We recently launched two new vans offering rubbish removal in Reading.