Working with West Mercia Police, the council is reminding people that they remain legally responsible for their waste – even after it has been collected by someone else.

In 2025, the council received 859 reports of fly-tipping incidents, which varied from single bags to lorry loads of waste. Of these, 75 cases were investigated by the Community Protection Team, resulting in 13 prosecutions for fly-tipping and breaches of duty of care, as well 18 Fixed Penalty Notices being served.

Fly-tipping causes serious harm to local communities and the environment. A significant proportion of incidents are linked to household and business waste, including garden waste, being passed to unlicensed or rogue collectors.

These operators often advertise cheap “tip runs” or waste removal services on social media. However, if that waste is later dumped illegally, the householder or business that handed it over could still face enforcement action.

Under the law, everyone has a ‘duty of care’ to ensure their waste is handled properly.

As part of the council’s Stop Fly-Tipping Awareness campaign running throughout March and April 2026, residents and businesses are being encouraged to take three simple steps before handing over rubbish or garden waste:

• Check the waste carrier is registered

• Record the vehicle and collector’s details

• Get a receipt or waste transfer note

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, Cllr Barry Durkin, said: 

“Fly-tipping damages our environment and the communities we all care about, so tackling it remains a key priority for the council.

“Residents and businesses can play an important role by taking a few simple steps to make sure their waste is disposed of properly. Always check that anyone collecting your waste is a registered carrier and keep a record of who you give it to.

“By working together, we can help prevent rubbish being dumped illegally and keep Herefordshire a clean and attractive place to live and visit.”

Residents are encouraged to use council waste and garden waste services where possible, be cautious of very cheap waste removal offers, and report fly-tipping promptly.

Once your rubbish, always your responsibility. Protect yourself. Protect your community. Stop fly-tipping at source.

• Residents can find out more about rubbish and recycling in Herefordshire at: herefordshire.gov.uk/rubbish-and-recycling/

• For more information about how to dispose of business and commercial waste, visit: www.gov.uk/dispose-business-commercial-waste