Guildford Borough Council is reminding residents that fly-tipping is a criminal offence and to check that anyone who removes their waste is authorised to do so.

Fly-tipping is a blight on communities, harms wildlife and damages the environment. It costs Councils millions of pounds a year to clear up; money that’s spent clearing up illegally dumped waste cannot be invested in other important local services.

The Council is warning residents that they have a legal duty of care when disposing of their waste and could face enforcement action if waste is later found to be fly-tipped.

Cllr Merel Rehorst-Smith, Lead Councillor for Regulatory Services at Guildford Borough Council, said: 

“Fly-tipping is not only unsightly, it can have a significant impact on our environment and local communities. It attracts vermin, creates health hazards and can damage valuable habitats.

“We are committed to keeping Guildford clean and protecting our countryside, parks and public spaces. We urge residents to take responsibility for their waste and to be cautious of individuals offering cheap waste collection services.

“If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Taking a few simple steps to check a waste carrier is legitimate can help prevent environmental crime and ensure waste is disposed of responsibly.”

Do your checks

Residents who pay someone to remove waste from their property must make reasonable checks to ensure it will be disposed of legally.

Before handing over waste, the Council advises residents to:

• Ask to see a Waste Carrier Licence

• Check the licence online via the Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers register

• Obtain and keep a written record of the waste collected, known as a Waste Transfer Note

• Make a note of the vehicle registration number

Failing to take these steps could leave residents liable if their waste is later found dumped illegally.

Taking action against offenders

Guildford Borough Council takes fly-tipping seriously and has a range of powers available to investigate incidents and take action against those responsible.

The Council can:

• Investigate fly-tipping incidents

• Review CCTV and other evidence

• Interview witnesses

• Check compliance with waste duty of care requirements

• Issue Fixed Penalty Notices where appropriate

• Seize vehicles suspected of being involved in waste crime

• Prosecute offenders

Serious cases can result in prosecution, with courts able to impose unlimited fines and, for the most serious offences, prison sentences of up to five years. Authorities may also seek to recover the costs of investigation, enforcement and clean-up from offenders.

The Council has previously worked alongside partners including the Environment Agency, Surrey Police and Waverley Borough Council on targeted operations to tackle waste crime and illegal waste carriers, helping to disrupt fly-tipping activity across the area.

How residents can help

Residents can support efforts to keep Guildford clean by:

• Reporting fly-tipping as soon as possible

• Providing photographs or video evidence where it is safe to do so

• Avoiding disturbing potential evidence within a fly-tip

• Using authorised waste disposal services

• Checking waste carrier licences before handing over waste

If you suspect or see fly-tipping taking place, you can report it on the Council’s website.

You can find your nearest recycling point also on the Council’s website.