If you discover fly-tipping on your land or nearby, collecting clear and accurate evidence can help local councils and the Environment Agency investigate and take enforcement action. The aim is to gather as much useful information as possible without putting yourself at risk.
What to do first
- Do not touch or move the waste – it may be hazardous or contain sharp or dangerous materials
- Report it as soon as possible to your local council or the Environment Agency (0800 80 70 60)
- Gather evidence quickly, before weather conditions or clean-up activity affects the scene
Best practices for evidence gathering
Take clear photographs showing:
- The type and quantity of waste
- Any vehicle registration numbers (if visible)
- People involved, only from a safe distance
- The location, including nearby landmarks, road signs, or identifiable features
Record key details such as:
- Date and time of discovery
- How long the waste appears to have been there
- Any vehicle movements or direction of travel
- Use your phone’s location data or mapping tools to accurately pinpoint the site
Where available, retain:
- CCTV, dashcam, or witness footage, stored securely and unedited
Reporting channels
- Report via your local council website or the GOV.UK fly-tipping reporting service
- For large-scale or hazardous waste, contact the Environment Agency Incident Hotline: 0800 80 70 60
- If offenders are present or acting aggressively, contact the police on 999 immediately
After reporting
- Keep a record of your report and any reference number
- Maintain communication with the relevant authority if required
- Once cleared, consider preventative measures such as barriers, bollards, gates, or CCTV to reduce the risk of repeat incidents
