Fly-tipping in focus
As autumn arrives, it’s common for household items to build up as we tidy and make space for the colder months.
Before starting any decluttering, it’s important to plan how to dispose of unwanted items responsibly, through donations, waste or recycling collections, to help keep our neighbourhoods clean and avoid fly-tipping.
What is Fly-Tipping?
Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste which can include non-household items, such as building materials, old clothes, or bulky furniture and electrical goods. These items are unlawfully dumped in inappropriate locations like communal spaces, open land, or near waste centres. This criminal act not only damages the environment but can also result in legal repercussions, including imprisonment, fines, and vehicle forfeiture.
So far, there have been 301 instances of fly-tipping in the first six months of this financial year that we have responded to, highlighting the ongoing importance of responsible disposal.
Here are some tips for responsible disposal of your items:
1. Dispose of your waste for free at a Household Waste Recycling Centre. For Buckinghamshire residents, find your nearest centre here. Before heading to a local refuse and recycling centre, check their opening hours and guidelines for items they accept.
2. If this isn’t possible, you can contact your Local Council to check if they provide a bulk item pick-up service. This disposal service comes with a fee. Please contact us if you are struggling with finances involved.
3. Look into collection companies that handle waste collections from one-off bulky items to general waste and recycling.
4. Donate it to a charity shop such as the The British Heart Foundation or Aylesbury Vineyard Storehouse. Or, sell it on Gumtree or Facebook marketplace.
If you witness someone fly-tipping, want to report fly-tipped items or have ongoing problems in your area, please contact your local council or contact us.
For more information, visit our dedicated Anti-Social Behaviour webpage.
