Flytipping

'Flytipped' waste generally consists of large items of rubbish that are dumped illegally instead of being disposed of properly at a landfill site or tip.

The most common types of flytipped waste are

• household waste
• large domestic items such as fridges and mattresses
• garden waste
• commercial waste such as builders rubble, tyres and clinical waste.

Why is flytipping a problem?

60,000 tonnes of waste was dumped in England and Wales in 2003. The Environment Agency estimates that there are 50,000 incidents of flytipping each year, costing taxpayers between £100 to 150 million to remove.

Flytipping is:

• Illegal - and clearing it up costs taxpayers' money.
• Unsightly -  flytipping is a sign of a neglected neighbourhood and is associated with increased levels of crime and the fear of crime. It also discourages investment and new businesses from moving into the area. 
• Unsafe - dumped waste can consist of dangerous items such as syringes, asbestos and toxic waste. It can also attract rats, flies and other disease-carrying pests.