Colchester City Council, supported by Essex County Council, the Environment Agency, and the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, are working together to reduce fly-tipping across Essex.
Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste on land without a waste licence, and includes leaving items by bins, outside closed charity shops, or near recycling centres and donation banks.
In the past three years, household waste has been found in over 60% of fly-tips across the county, costing Essex taxpayers around £1 million to clean up in 2022-23. Most reported incidents occur on highways or council land.
This new campaign will run for three months, providing residents with the knowledge and tools to dispose of household waste responsibly.
An increase in visible enforcement is planned, as well as intelligence sharing to strengthen action against fly-tipping.
Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhood Services and Leisure, said: “Fly-tipping is a serious issue that not only harms the environment but also places a considerable financial burden on taxpayers. This new campaign is an important step in addressing this illegal activity and in helping to keep our communities clean and safe.
“By working together with Essex County Council and other partners, we are reinforcing the message that fly tipping will not be tolerated. I encourage all residents to dispose of their waste responsibly and to report any fly-tipping incidents. Please remember, if your waste is collected by an unlicensed waste carrier and is subsequently fly tipped, you could still face a fine.”
Essex residents can follow this link to find out more about fly tipping and the new SCRAP campaign, including how to choose legitimate waste collectors.
Page last reviewed: 14 February 2025