Saving...
What is illegal dumping?
Illegal Dumping (sometimes known as fly-tipping) is the ‘illegal deposit of any waste onto land or a highway that has no licence to accept it’.
Fife Councils responsibility?
If waste is dumped illegally it’s our responsibility to:
- remove it safely
- find and prosecute the people who have dumped it.
If the waste is hazardous, we must also make it safe until we can remove it.
Impact on the environment
Illegal dumping is considered a form of antisocial behaviour. Its presence attracts others to illegally dump and it can prove attractive to vandals who may then set the materials alight, putting people and property at risk. At its worst, illegal dumping can lead to serious pollution of the environment and harm to human health if hazardous waste is involved.
Cost of illegal dumping
Illegal dumping is a growing problem that has costs in excess of £75m a year to local authorities in Scotland. We investigate reports of illegal dumping and prosecute offenders whenever possible. Fixed penalty notices of £200 may be issued, however major offenders may be referred directly to the Procurator Fiscal and they may incur fines of up to £40,000.
What you can do
If you witness an instance of illegal dumping report it to us by:
- completing our online form which can be found on the right of this page
- contacting us at the details below
What Options do you have?
Householders:
- Kerbside Collection – bins are provided for collections of general household waste, paper and cardboard and green garden waste
- Special Uplift – for a small charge, we can collect bulky items from your household
- Recycling Centres – there are 11 recycling centres in Fife where you can dispose of your waste free of charge
- Reuse Charities – who can reuse and refurbish furniture and electrical goods that you no longer require. Collections are often free of charge.