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Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste and is a crime.

Types of waste that are fly-tipped include:

• general household waste
• appliances like fridges and washing machines
• waste from building and demolition work
• animal carcasses
• vehicle parts and tyres
• hazardous waste like oil, asbestos sheeting and chemicals

The types of land most commonly affected by fly-tipping include:

• land near to public waste tips
• roadsides and private land, particularly on the outskirts of urban areas
• back alleys
• derelict land

If you get caught fly-tipping, you can be:

• fined up to £50,000 in Magistrates' Courts
• faced with unlimited fines in higher courts
• faced with community punishment orders or a prison sentence of up to five years

If you're convicted of fly-tipping offences, you can be made to pay the costs of enforcement and investigation, as well as the clean-up costs.

Impacts of fly-tipping

There are many impacts of fly-tipping.

Fly-tipping:

• is a criminal activity that can cause serious pollution of the environment, can be a risk to human health and can harm wildlife and farm animals
• spoils the local neighbourhoods and quality of life
• costs around Â£100 million in total to clean up
• costs local councils around £44 million each year to clear up
• is seen as a major problem by landowners and affects 67% of farmers
• takes work away from legitimate waste management companies

If you hire a waste contractor or company to remove your waste, you must make sure they are operating legally.

You must always check that they are registered. Visit .

You should always ask to see the original copy of their waste carrier's licence.

Registered waste carriers need to provide you with official paperwork that confirms they have got your waste and where it is being taken to. This is called a 'waste transfer note'.

They can be fined up to £5,000 plus other costs for not showing either copies when requested by the Council.

Do not use a contractor that won't show you a waste carrier's licence or who won't provide you with a waste transfer note.

What to look out for when arranging for your waste to be collected

You can be prosecuted and fined if someone else illegally disposes of your waste for you.

This can include:

• a company that provides you with a skip to take waste away
• a joiner or a builder doing work at your property

When arranging for someone to collect waste from your home:

• Beware of rogue waste carriers. Reputable companies don't usually make direct approaches. If in any doubt, do not allow them to take your waste.
• Ask for their waste carrier registration details, and verify them either by checking the , or by calling 03708 506 506. Note down the registration number of the vehicle used to take your waste away, just in case.
• Refuse unwelcome offers to have any rubbish taken away. Always carry out your own research and choose who you wish to approach.
• Always ask what exactly is going to happen to your rubbish, and get evidence that it is going to be disposed of correctly. A legitimate, professional waste carrier who wants your business should not object to being asked reasonable questions.
• Make sure you get a proper receipt which has the written information for your waste. This should include what has been removed and where it will be going. Make sure the company or tradesperson's details are included.

Before you take action, make sure it's safe. Some waste can be dangerous.

Do not open black bags or drums. Piles of soil can be contaminated or hiding dangerous material.

Fly-tippers are doing something illegal. They are unlikely to welcome people observing them, taking notes or photographs.

How to report fly-tipping in South Tyneside

You can report fly-tipping in South Tyneside:

Report fly-tipping online

• Phone - 0191 427 7000
• Text - 07786200802

Helpful information to report

When reporting fly-tipping, you should include:

• if you just discovered the waste or if you actually saw it being fly-tipped
• the day, date and time that you discovered the waste or saw it being fly-tipped
• the location (e.g. the place, landmark, street, town or grid reference)
• a description of the waste e.g. bag, drum, fridge, tyres, building waste
• if there's any evidence of pollution resulting from the waste, and if it is loose or needs containing
• the amount of waste e.g. number of bags, a van load, multiple loads

If you saw the waste being fly-tipped

If you saw the waste being fly-tipped, it's useful to include the below information:

• who was with you
• who you saw, how many people you saw fly-tipping and what they looked like
• if you recognised any of the people you saw
• a description of them e.g sex, hair colour, distinguishing features
• what the people you saw actually did

If there was a vehicle involved

If there was a vehicle involved, please report:

• what the vehicle looked like
• the make, model and and colour
• the registration plate number
• if there was any distinguishing features or signs on the vehicle

Where you were when the fly-tipping took place 

When reporting fly-tipping, think about:

• the view you had of the fly-tipping
• how far away you were
• what the weather was like
• if it was light or dark

Other information

Please include any other relevant details, for example details of phone calls made on site reporting the incident or whether you took photographs / video.