Environmental Health receives a large number of complaints from residents every year concerning accumulations of rubbish. Depending on where this rubbish is, the removal of such rubbish is dealt with by different departments.
Rubbish on the highway, verges and other public land
Rubbish left on the public highway or other open land (often call Flytipping) is dealt with by our Waste Strategy and Operations team. Visit our flytipping webpage for further information on what to do if you discover or witness someone flytipping.
Household rubbish on private land
Environmental Health can deal with accumulations of rubbish on private land if the waste material is providing shelter for rats or mice, or consists of noxious, decomposing matter, such as food waste. Often this type of rubbish will pose a risk to public health and needs to be removed quickly.
In these cases it is the owner or occupier of the land who is responsible for removing of any rubbish. On receipt of a complaint Environmental Health officers will visit the land and try to work together with the owner or occupier to get the rubbish removed. However if this is not successful, a formal notice can be served under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 or the Public Health Act 1936 on the owner or occupier of the land requiring them to remove the rubbish within a certain period of time.
If they do not comply, arrangements will be made for its removal and the costs incurred will be recovered from the person on whom the notice is served.
To report accumulations of rubbish on private land please email Environmental Services or call 01443 866533.