Covert cameras recorded fly-tipping and littering
Two people have received Fixed Penalty Notices after covert surveillance equipment recorded them dumping rubbish in a Cornish layby.
The camera was installed by Cornwall Council’s Community Protection team after they received multiple complaints from residents about persistent fly-tipping in a rural lane near Mevagissey.
While the camera was in operation, two incidents were recorded. The individuals responsible were traced via their vehicles and admitted the offences.
In the first incident, which took place in August, a man threw a box of broken eggs and other items that were covered in egg goo into the layby. He received a £250 Fixed Penalty Notice for littering.
In the second incident, which took place in October, a man dumped several black bags, which were later confirmed to contain garden waste.
The offender admitted dumping waste on two separate occasions. He received a £500 Fixed Penalty Notice for fly-tipping.
In 2025, Cornwall Council’s Community Protection team has carried out surveillance in areas that have been identified as fly-tipping hotspots. Before cameras are installed, all proposed surveillance operations must be reviewed and signed off by a magistrate.
Fly‑tipping is a serious offence and carries tough penalties. Offenders can face Fixed Penalty Notices of up to £1,000 for large‑scale or hazardous dumping and £500 for smaller incidents.
In the most serious cases, prosecution through the courts can result in unlimited fines and even imprisonment for up to five years. Vehicles used in fly‑tipping may also be seized and destroyed, and offenders can be ordered to cover clean-up and legal costs.
Anyone who pays to have waste removed must check the person they’re hiring has a waste carrier’s licence, or they too could receive a fine if the waste ends up being dumped.
Councillor Thalia Marrington, Cabinet member with responsibility for Community Safety and Public Protection, said: “There is no excuse for dumping rubbish.
“Fly-tipping and littering blights our landscape and costs Cornish taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds to clear up each year.
“Where we have evidence of these offences, we will investigate and take action against those responsible.”
REPORT IT
Anyone who sees fly-tipped waste is urged to report it, and to submit any evidence, such as pictures or videos that may help identify those responsible, via the Cornwall Council website.
If a fly-tip is obstructing a road, it should be reported to the Police by calling 999.
You can also report fly-tips anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visiting the Crimestoppers website.
Press release issued on November 27, 2025