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Environmental crime

The enviro-crime team investigates incidents of fly-tipping and reports about illegally operating waste carriers and scrap metal dealers.

Fly-tipping

Fly-tipping is the illegal deposit of waste on land, and can be domestic, commercial or trade waste. Fly-tipping is a serious offence and carries a penalty of up to £50,000 or a prison sentence of up to five years. We target serial commercial fly-tippers with a view to prosecuting offenders.

Commercial waste carriers

Waste carriers are required to register with the Environment Agency and hold a valid waste carriers licence. Scrap metal dealers need a permit from us and must keep records. We carry out checks on waste carriers to ensure they are complying with the law. 

How to report fly-tipping

Please contact the Customer Services Centre with the following information:

  • Location of fly-tip
  • Description of dumped waste 
  • Date and time of offence
  • Description/name/address of person(s) responsible 
  • Description and registration number of vehicle used in fly-tip

Often the information required in order for us to pursue an enquiry is not known. In this case any information provided will be recorded for investigation and the waste will be removed as soon as possible.

How to report a suspicious waste carrier

Please contact the Customer Service Centre with the following information:

  • Company name or name of sole trader who is collecting waste 
  • Any other contact details known, such as address and phone number
  • Description of waste collection activities
  • Description of vehicle used to collect waste including vehicle registration number where possible

Householder's duty of care

Every year thousands of householders are caught out by unlicensed waste contractors, who are not registered to take their waste away. This waste is commonly found illegally fly-tipped.

Householders could be fined up to £5,000 if fly-tipped waste is traced back to them.

How can I avoid irresponsible waste disposal?

  • Think carefully about who you give your waste to. This includes any building or garden waste and scrap metal taken away by tradespeople. 
  • Ensure the person/firm that you use is registered to carry waste. You can ask to see their waste carrier registration and scrap metal permit, if applicable.
  • Contact the Environment Agency on 08708 506 506 to ask for a waste carrier validation check
  • Check online to view the public register
  • Always ask for a receipt for the waste that is taken away

Other responsible ways to dispose of your waste

  • Use our waste collection service and orange bag recycling scheme
  • Take your waste items to one of our household waste recycling centres
  • Use our free bulky waste collection service

Elsewhere on the web

Contact us

Write to us: Customer Services, Leicester City Council, 91 Granby Street, Leicester, LE1 6FB
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