Finding a pile of dumped mattresses, building rubble or bin bags on your land is frustrating enough. Finding out that you are expected to pay to remove it can feel even worse. Unfortunately, that is usually how it works in Scotland. This guide explains who is responsible for fly tipping on private land, what you should do when it happens and how to make your site a less attractive target.
Is the council responsible for fly tipping on private land?
In most cases, no. Councils clear fly tipping from public land such as roads, pavements and parks, but waste dumped on private land is normally the landowner's responsibility. Glasgow City Council states plainly that it does not remove fly tipping from private properties, and that landowners must remove illegally dumped waste and dispose of it responsibly. Most Scottish councils take a similar approach.
That applies to car parks, yards, empty units, farmland, access lanes and development sites. If you rent the property, check your lease, as the tenant may be responsible rather than the owner.
What should you do if waste is dumped on your land?
- Do not touch anything that could be hazardous. Asbestos, chemicals, drums, gas bottles and clinical waste need specialist handling.
- Record the evidence. Take photos, note the date and time, and keep any CCTV footage, vehicle registrations or paperwork found in the waste.
- Report it. Anyone can report fly tipping to their local council. The Scottish Government explains that reports are passed to SEPA or Police Scotland if the dumping is ongoing, hazardous or near a watercourse.
- Have it removed by a registered waste carrier. Fly tipped waste is still controlled waste, so it must go to a licensed site and you should receive a waste transfer note for it.
- Secure the site so it does not happen again.
What are the penalties for fly tipping in Scotland?
Fly tipping is a criminal offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The fixed penalty notice in Scotland is £500, and more serious cases can lead to prosecution, fines of up to £40,000 or imprisonment. The Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024 also gives authorities powers to search and seize vehicles suspected of involvement in illegal waste activity.
Those penalties are aimed at the people who dump the waste, but they rarely help the landowner left with the clean up bill, which is why prevention matters.
How can you stop fly tipping on your land?
- Restrict vehicle access with gates, barriers, bollards or boulders across lay-bys and entrances.
- Improve lighting and visibility so the site does not look abandoned.
- Install signage and CCTV, which can deter dumping and help the council or police identify offenders.
- Clear waste quickly, because a small pile left in place tends to attract more.
- Keep vacant units secure and check them regularly.
Fly tipping clearance across Scotland
Jettison clears fly tipped waste from private land, yards, car parks and commercial premises, from single loads to large sites that need plant and machinery. We are a SEPA registered waste carrier, we recycle as much as possible and we provide the paperwork for every load. See our fly tip clearance service, or find your area: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Paisley, Stirling, Dundee, Perth and Aberdeen.
To arrange a removal, send us a few photos for a free quote or call 0333 880 6800.
