Essex councils unite against fly tipping with new campaign

District councils from across Essex have joined together to support an Essex County Council campaign to tackle fly tipping.

The new campaign, Let’s SCRAP Fly Tipping, aims to reduce incidents of fly tipping by equipping householders with the knowledge and tools to dispose of household waste responsibly.

Working together to reduce fly tipping

Let’s SCRAP Fly Tipping, which is supported by the Environment Agency and the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, was shared with stakeholders, partners and press at a launch event in Chelmsford’s Council Chamber on 28 January.

Chelmsford City Council is participating in the campaign, alongside Basildon Borough Council, Braintree District Council, Brentwood Borough Council, Colchester City Council, Epping Forest District Council, Harlow Council, Maldon District Council, and Rochford District Council.

Throughout the three-month campaign, posters and digital advertising will be displayed in all nine districts to inform residents of what constitutes fly tipping, the impact it has, and how to find a responsible waste carrier using the memorable ‘SCRAP’ method.

The campaign will be supported with proactive and visible enforcement measures, including increased council officer patrols and public engagement. Councillor Donna Eley, Cabinet Member for a Safer Chelmsford, says with a problem as widespread as fly tipping, working together is the answer:

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“It’s great to see local authorities collaborating in this way to tackle fly tipping. Fly tipping, in all its forms, is a crime and it’s important that we regard it as such.

“By ensuring that our residents know exactly what constitutes a fly tip and the importance of using only licensed waste carriers, I’m sure this campaign will encourage everyone to dispose of their waste responsibly. Chelmsford’s residents care about their environment and surroundings and I’m sure they will support the SCRAP campaign and the hard work of our officers to keep our district cleaner and safer.”

Cllr Donna Eley , Cabinet Member for a Safer Chelmsford, Chelmsford City Council

What is fly tipping?

Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of waste on land that doesn’t have a waste licence. This could include leaving items by a bin or outside a closed charity shop, recycling centre or donation bank. Your waste is your responsibility, even if someone else dumps it, and you can be prosecuted or face an unlimited fine for fly tipping.

If you come across a fly tip you should report it to the local authority for the area. For fly tips in Chelmsford, please submit a report online or by calling 01245 606606. If you see a fly tip in action, you should call 999.

Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of items and can range from a single bin bag to an entire truckload.

Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of items and can range from a single bin bag to an entire truckload.

Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of items and can range from a single bin bag to an entire truckload.

Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of items and can range from a single bin bag to an entire truckload.

Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of items and can range from a single bin bag to an entire truckload.

Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of items and can range from a single bin bag to an entire truckload.

Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of items and can range from a single bin bag to an entire truckload.

Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of items and can range from a single bin bag to an entire truckload.

Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of items and can range from a single bin bag to an entire truckload.

Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of items and can range from a single bin bag to an entire truckload.

Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of items and can range from a single bin bag to an entire truckload.

Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of items and can range from a single bin bag to an entire truckload.

What are the impacts of fly tipping?

We all hate fly tipping littering our roads and countryside, but it isn't just an eyesore. Fly tipping harms our environment, endangers wildlife, and cost Essex councils around £1 million to clean up in 2022-23 alone.

Most reported fly tips occur on highways or council land. Fly tips on roads and pathways can block access for life-saving emergency vehicles. Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, says fly tipping poses risks to public health and safety:

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“Fly tipping is a serious issue that blights our communities, harms our environment and poses risks to public health and safety. It is crucial that we work together in partnership to tackle this problem head-on.

“By collaborating with local authorities, community groups, and residents, we can raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of fly tipping. Our joint efforts will help to create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment for everyone in Essex.”

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex

Remember your duty of care with S.C.R.A.P.

Household waste has been found in over 60% of fly tips across Essex in the past three years and unfortunately, illegal waste operators target everyone from householders to big businesses, with offers of cheap waste disposal.

But wherever household waste ends up, it is the responsibility of the householder. We all have a legal duty to ensure our waste is disposed of properly and you can be fined or prosecuted if your waste is fly tipped, even by someone else.

When using a waste collector, remember the S.C.R.A.P. code:

SUSPECT all waste carriers: Someone offering to remove your rubbish cheaply might not have a licence and you will be responsible if your items are found dumped.

CHECK their registration: Always check contractors are a registered waste carrier. You can check a waste carrier licence number by calling the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 or by checking the Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers Register.

REFUSE suspicious offers: Always check that the person taking your rubbish away is licensed to do so. If you don’t trust that someone will dispose of waste legally, refuse the offer and report their vehicle registration and name to the Environment Agency.

ASK what will happen next: Can I see your registration details? Where will you take my waste? Can I have a receipt or waste transfer note? A legal waste collector should happily answer reasonable questions.

PAPERWORK is your proof: Paperwork is proof you’ve done the right thing. Ask for an invoice, waste transfer note, or a receipt. Only pay by card so you can prove where your waste has gone. If you pay by cash, that payment cannot be traced.

Alternative ways to dispose of your household waste

Don’t fancy using a waste carrier? There are plenty of alternative methods to get rid of rubbish that won't fit into your kerbside collection legally. Before you throw something away, think about what you could do instead:

• Donate it: Good quality items can be donated to local furniture projects or charity shops.
• Give it away: You can offer items to people in your local community for free with sites like Facebook Marketplace and Freegle.
• Recycle it: Recycling centres accept many items for free. Find your closest centre, and check what you can recycle there, on the Love Essex website.
• Sell it: Try selling your items through social media platforms such as Facebook groups, or selling and auction websites such as eBay, Vinted, Gumtree and Depop.

Chelmsford City Council offers a collection service for large items like fridges, beds, sofas and garden furniture. You can book this service online or by calling 01245 615800.

Helpful links

Check a waste carriers' licence: https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers

Find a licensed waste carrier: https://www.lovejunk.com/

Report a fly tip in Chelmsford: https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/environment-and-public-health/street-problem-report/report-fly-tipping/

Find your nearest recycling centre: https://www.loveessex.org/find-recycling-centre

Fly tipping is a crime. If you see fly tipping happening, report it on 999.