Report fly-tipping

Fly-tipping is illegal dumping of rubbish and is a serious offence that carries a large fine or a prison sentence.

How to report fly-tipping

Report the problem in the area you find it. If you choose a different area, this may create delays.

Report fly-tipping online in the area you find it in:

Barrow area fly-tipping

Eden area fly-tipping

South Lakeland report fly-tipping

You can also contact customer services

We can issue a fixed penalty notice to anyone who we believe has fly-tipped. Prosecution for fly-tipping carries a fine of up to £95,000 (unlimited if taken through the Crown Court) or an offender can be sent to prison or have their vehicle seized.

What to do if you see fly-tipping

If you see somebody in the act of fly-tipping, you should contact us first.

If you witness fly tipping on the public highway, you should call the police on 101. You should not approach them, they might become aggressive, don't put yourself at risk.

Fly-tipped waste can be dangerous. Do not:

  • touch the waste or open any bags or containers
  • disturb the site, we might find evidence that helps us identify and prosecute the fly-tippers

Record as much information as possible to help us find the person responsible. Details such as:

  • Vehicle registration and description
  • Description of the person or persons seen fly-tipping
  • A photo, video or dashboard camera footage of the fly-tipping incident

What we can do about fly-tipping

We will deal with fly-tipping on publicly owned property, roads and paths. We aim to investigate all reports within two working days.

Penalties for fly-tipping

We can investigate and prosecute cases where there are witnesses or there is evidence we can use.

We can issue fixed penalty notices where we have evidence to suspect a fly-tipper.

Prosecution for fly-tipping can carry an unlimited fine (if taken through the Crown Court) or imprisonment.

Fly-tipping on private land, your responsibilities

It is the land owner's responsibility to secure and clear their property of dumped waste. Landowners must dispose of the rubbish responsibly.

We can give advice on securing your land to prevent fly-tipping.