Last updated:
30th May 2026
What is Fly-Tipping or Dumped Rubbish
Fly-tipping is when someone throws away rubbish - like old furniture, bags of rubbish, or construction waste on the side of the road, in a field, or any public/private place without permission.
Fly-tipping examples:
- Leaving a sofa in a countryside lay-by
- Dumping bags of rubbish behind a shop
- Leaving rubbish by a litter bin or bring bank
- Throwing building debris in a park or open space
Why it matters
- It’s a crime and can lead to unlimited fines or prosecution which can include imprisonment
- It can pollute watercourses and land and can harm wildlife and fish
- It looks unsightly and attracts vermin including rats and foxes
- It attracts other rubbish
- It undermines legitimate businesses
- It's expensive to clear up
Who deals with fly-tipping
- Public land - Wokingham Borough Council is responsible for clearing and investigating fly-tip tipping on public land such our roads and parks.Public land - Wokingham Borough Council is responsible for clearing and investigating fly-tipping on public land such our roads and parks.
- Private land - If fly-tip tipping occurs on private land, it is the responsibility of the landowner to remove it. Private land - If fly-tipping occurs on private land, it is the responsibility of the landowner to remove it. If you own land, it's your job to try to stop fly-tip tipping. If you own land, it's your job to try to stop fly-tipping. Make sure your property, including any entrances or gates, is secure so people can't dump rubbish there.
- Large-scale fly-tips (hazardous waste and organised waste crime gangs) - The Environment Agency investigates.
