How to Stop People from Fly-Tipping in your Skip

Fly-tipping is a frustrating issue for anyone who hires a skip. Unwanted waste not only takes up space that you have paid for but can also lead to additional costs. Here are some ways to help prevent fly-tipping in your skip and keep it secure.

Why do people fly-tip?

People fly-tip for several reasons, often driven by convenience, cost avoidance or lack of awareness. Many waste disposal sites charge additional fees for certain types of waste such as electrical waste, plasterboard, mattresses and tyres, instead of paying these fee’s they dump their rubbish in someone else’s skip for free. A skip that is open and accessible becomes “free waste disposal”. Some fly tipping can be caused by lack of awareness, some may not realise that this is illegal. They may also assume that a skip that is left unattended in a public area is available for public use.

How to avoid being a victim

1. Location - Choose a place for your skip that is secure or in a less accessible area, this can deter anyone unlawfully using your skip. If possible keep it on private property as far as possible away from the roadside. When a skip is placed on the road or close to the road it is more visible and accessible to the public.

2. Use an enclosed skip or cover - Enclosed skips are generally a good idea to prevent fly tipping, where this is not appropriate, a secure cover such as tarpaulin with bungee cords can be used as an alternative to stop people putting their waste in your skip. This is especially useful for overnight when the skip is not in use as most fly-tipping happens in the hours of darkness.

3. Install CCTV or Motion Sensor Lights - Visible CCTV or even a dummy camera can be a deterrent and work well, as do motion sensor lights. These are inexpensive and can also work long term for security and crime prevention. If people still fly tip in the skip at least you will have video evidence if required at a later date.

4. Put up warning signs - Clearly visible signs with warnings such as No Fly-Tipping, CCTV in Operation or Private skip can help to discourage people from disposing of waste in your skip.

5. Time your skip carefully - Avoid having an empty skip sitting unused for long periods. By scheduling your delivery and collection in advance you can choose a day for your skip be delivered and collected. With the skip being on site for a limited time this will mean that opportunists will have less unattended time to fill your skip.

6. Consider using temporary fencing - If it is not possible to put the skip out of sight, temporary barriers or fencing may make it harder for people to access.

7. Report Fly-Tipping Incidents - If someone has illegally dumped waste in your skip, report it to your local council. They may have procedures in place to help identify and fine offenders. This may also help catch repeat offenders.

   
   

By taking these measures you can significantly reduce the chances of fly-tipping in your skip! Keeping it free for you to fill!