Cornwall Council is warning residents and businesses to make sure they dispose of their waste properly – or face a fine of up to £1,000 penalty for fly-tipping.
The warning comes after two residents received fixed penalty notices for waste-related offences.
One individual was issued a £500 penalty after dumping five black bags of rubbish in Greensplat, St Austell, in February.
The other, who paid someone to dispose of their waste, received a £200 penalty after their rubbish was fly-tipped in St Dennis, St Austell, in January.
When contacted by officers from Cornwall Council, the resident said a man with a van had cold-called at their property offering to remove rubbish. The householder did not check if he was a licensed waste carrier and failed to get any contact details.
Both cases were investigated by the Council's Community Protection team after the landowners provided evidence that enabled officers to identify where the waste originated.
Fly-tips are unsightly, cost significant amounts of money to clean-up and can be dangerous for both people and wildlife. In some cases, they can cause long-term environmental damage.
Cornwall Council has updated its fixed-rate penalties for fly-tipping. The new penalties came into effect on March 1.
Anyone found responsible for a large-scale fly-tip or dumping potentially hazardous materials will receive a £1,000 fixed penalty. Anyone found responsible for a smaller-scale fly-tip will receive a £500 fixed penalty.
If a penalty is not paid or in cases involving repeat offenders, the Council will prosecute. If convicted, offenders who can face an unlimited fine and up to five years imprisonment. Vehicles used to carry out the offences can also be seized as part of any investigation.
Councillor Martyn Alvey portfolio holder for Environment at Cornwall Council, said: “Fly-tipping is totally unacceptable.
“It puts people and animals at risk, and clearing up fly-tips can be costly - the bill for which is ultimately picked up by council taxpayers or landowners.
“If you see waste being dumped please report it and include details or potential evidence that could help us to identify those responsible. Footage from CCTV cameras, dash-cams and doorbell cameras can really help our investigations.
“Businesses, no matter how small, must use a licensed waste carrier to remove any commercial waste.
“I’d also like to remind residents that if you pay to have waste removed, you are legally responsible for ensuring you use a licensed waste carrier. Otherwise, you could face a fine or prosecution if the waste is not disposed of properly.”
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.
Advice for businesses on commercial waste and the law can also be found on the Cornwall Council website.
Press release issued on March 10, 2025