Fly-tipping
Fly-tipped waste generally consists of items of rubbish such as fridges, mattresses, builder's rubble and tyres dumped illegally from a vehicle instead of being disposed of properly.
Fly-tipping is expensive to remove and unsightly. If you discover fly-tipped waste, do not touch the waste. It can be dangerous and may contain syringes, broken glass, asbestos, toxic chemicals or other hazardous materials. There may also be evidence that could help us identify the fly-tippers and lead to their prosecution.
Report fly-tipping to us
You can report fly-tipping to us if it is:
- On any public land, such as roads, parks and town centres.
- In rivers, streams or brooks.
Report illegally dumped business or trade waste
If you know a business that isn't disposing of its waste properly, you can report illegally dumped business or trade waste to us.
Report illegally dumped business or trade waste
Fly-tipping handled by other organisations
If you see fly-tipped waste:
- On private land: contact the police using their non‑emergency service. You’ll be responsible for arranging removal of the waste. Report a non-emergency to the police.
- In the canal: get in touch with the Canal and River Trust.
- On or near train lines: get in touch with Network Rail.
- On or near tram lines: get in touch with Transport for Greater Manchester.
Help reduce fly-tipping
Do not fly-tip. If you need to throw away large items, you can:
- Read Recycle for Greater Manchester's SCRAP code - this may help you prevent your waste from being fly-tipped. If waste is illegally dumped and traced back to you, you could be held responsible even if you hired someone else to take it away.
- Take your unwanted goods to a tip or recycling centre.
- Ask us to collect your large household items.
- Hire a business to dispose of the rubbish but check if they're licensed to take your rubbish away before hiring them. Search for a company's waste carrier licence.
More information about tackling fly-tipping is available from the Environmental Agency.