What to Do if Someone Puts Things in My Skip?

You’ve rented a skip for your clear-out, sorted your waste, and are ready to make a dent in that mountain of clutter. But then you discover the unwelcome surprise – someone else has added their own rubbish to your skip! Fly-tipping, as it’s known, is not only frustrating, but it can also land you with unexpected costs.

Here at Centro Waste, we understand the annoyance of finding unwanted items in your skip. This guide will walk you through what to do if someone decides to use your skip as their personal dumping ground.

Understanding Fly-Tipping

Fly-tipping refers to the illegal dumping of waste anywhere other than a designated disposal site. This can include household waste, garden trimmings, building materials, and even hazardous materials. It’s not just inconsiderate, it can be harmful to the environment and pose health risks.

Why Do People Fly-Tip?

There are several reasons why people might resort to fly-tipping:

• Avoiding Landfill Fees: Landfill disposal costs money for certain items. Some people try to avoid these fees by dumping their waste illegally in someone else’s skip.
• Inconvenience: Taking waste to a recycling centre or tip can be inconvenient, especially for bulky items. Fly-tipping seems like a quick and easy solution (but ultimately creates more problems!).
• Lack of Awareness: Some people simply may not be aware of the proper ways to dispose of waste.

The Responsibility Lies with You:

Unfortunately, when someone fly-tips in your skip, the responsibility for the additional waste often falls on you, the skip hirer. This is because the skip is technically on your property or under your control (with a permit for public roads).

What to Do if You Find Fly-Tipping:

1. Don’t Panic: While frustrating, take a deep breath and assess the situation.
2. Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of the fly-tipped waste, focusing on any identifiable items that might lead back to the culprit. This could include packaging with addresses, receipts, or even distinctive pieces of furniture.
3. Contact Your Skip Hire Company: Inform your skip hire company immediately about the fly-tipping. Explain the situation and provide any photos you’ve taken as evidence.
4. Report it to the Council: Fly-tipping is a crime. Report the incident to Birmingham City Council through their website or by calling their environmental health department. Provide details about the location, date, and description of the fly-tipped waste.

Dealing with the Fly-Tipped Waste:

Your skip hire company will advise you on the best course of action for dealing with the fly-tipped waste. Here are some potential scenarios:

• Removal by Skip Hire Company: Some skip hire companies, offer additional services for removing fly-tipped waste. However, this will likely incur an extra charge.
• Sorting and Removal: You might be able to sort through the fly-tipped waste yourself, removing any items that are yours and disposing of the rest responsibly.
• Council Removal: In some cases, the council may be able to remove the fly-tipped waste, especially if it’s a significant amount or contains hazardous materials.

Preventing Fly-Tipping in the First Place:

The best way to deal with fly-tipping is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some preventative measures you can take:

• Secure Your Skip: If possible, place your skip on private property to deter fly-tipping. Consider covering the skip if your skip hire company offers this option.
• Keep an Eye Out: If your skip is located on a public road, check on it regularly to see if anyone has added unwanted items.
• Consider CCTV: For high-risk areas or skips left on public roads for extended periods, consider installing temporary CCTV to deter fly-tipping or place the skip under CCTV.

Remember, you’re not alone!

Fly-tipping is a widespread issue, and local authorities are increasingly cracking down on offenders. By reporting fly-tipping and taking preventative measures, you can help keep Birmingham clean and free from illegally dumped waste.

Additional Tips:

• Share the Skip: If you have a large project and a friend or neighbour is also doing a clear-out, consider sharing the skip. This reduces the overall cost and discourages others from adding their waste.
• Be Mindful of What You Throw Away: While it might seem tempting to use your skip for everything, remember there are restrictions on certain types of waste. Familiarise yourself with the prohibited items listed by your skip hire company. Hazardous materials like asbestos, paint tins, and electrical equipment require special disposal procedures. Contact your local council for guidance on disposing of these items safely.

By following these steps and working together with your skip-hire company and local authorities, you can minimise the inconvenience caused by fly-tipping and ensure a smooth and responsible skip hire experience.

Do you have any questions about fly-tipping or skip hire in Birmingham? Contact Centro Waste today! Our friendly team is happy to help.