Fighting fly-tipping

Fly-tipping is a growing problem across the UK and Epping Forest is not immune. The Forest is served by dedicated Keepers, Constables and a Litter Team, Forest Keepers, an Investigations Team and a Litter Team, working hard to clear fly-tips and collaborate with the Police to catch the perpetrators.

Waste disposal costs the Epping Forest Charity 10% of its budget. Individual fly-tips containing dangerous materials in difficult to access locations can cost up to £10,000. That’s £10,000 taken away from vital conservation efforts to protect Epping Forest and its wildlife.

Catching fly-tippers

Epping Forests needs your help to catch fly-tippers.

If you have information about fly-tipping in the Forest, please call 020 8532 1010.

Fly-tipping is a criminal offence. If you see it happening, call 999.

A vehicle registration and description can make all the difference.

Impact

Illegal waste dumped in the Forest is unsightly, but it can also be hazardous to visitors and wildlife. Fly-tipped materials can increase the risk of fires. Discarded items become inadvertent traps for animals and birds causing entanglement or ingestion. Fly-tips can block migration paths and smother delicate habitats. Toxic materials can leach into watercourses and soil, polluting ecosystems and damaging delicate habitats.

Reporting fly-tips

If you see a fly-tip on Forest or Buffer Land please phone us on 020 8532 1010 (phoneline open 24 hours a day) or send us an email. 

An accurate description and location will help us respond quickly.

Top tip: Have you tried using What3Words? This free app can help pin-point the location within the Forest.

If you see fly-tips outside the Forest, or on a public highway, report them to the relevant council:

• London Borough of Redbridge 
• Newham Council
• London Borough of Waltham Forest
• Epping Forest District Council

Managing your waste

Fly-tips are examined for evidence with which to identify the owner and carrier of the illegally dumped waste before they are cleared. As a householder you have a ‘duty of care’ to take reasonable measures to ensure your waste is disposed of properly.

If waste originating from your property is found to be fly-tipped, you will be expected to provide details of who you passed your waste to. Failure to ensure proper disposal could land you with a fine of or even criminal proceedings.

• Insist on seeing a Waste Carriers License. You can also check here: Public Registers Online
• Ask what will happen to your waste. Legitimate carriers will be happy to tell you.
• Note the details of any vehicles used.
• Request a receipt.
• Keep a note of the person or company and their contact details.

And remember, if the price quoted sounds too good to be true then it probably is! If your waste ends up fly-tipped in Epping Forest the true cost will be a lot higher, to the environment and to you if you are prosecuted.

Volunteering

We are incredibly grateful to the brilliant volunteer litter pickers that play a vital role in keeping Epping Forest clean, beautiful, and healthy. By joining the team, you will help protect this special place for both people and wildlife. As a volunteer litter picker working outdoors to clear waste from the Forest you will make a vital contribution to its long-term care and conservation. Find out how you can get involved on our volunteering page.