Dust and grit

We can help you deal with a dust and grit problem which is persistent and unreasonable.

Report a dust and grit problem

If you are having a problem with dust and grit from a domestic premise, building site, a factory or other business premises, you can report it to us.

We will only investigate problems that are a statutory nuisance.

Report a dust or grit problem

You cannot make an anonymous report to us. We will not share your name or contact details with the business or organisation you are reporting.  

We will carry out an investigation and take action where possible. If we cannot take action, you may be able to take legal action yourself.

How dust and grit complaints are assessed

We can investigate complaints about dust and grit that could be a statutory nuisance.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 allows us to take action against dust and grit problems that do one of the following:

  • unreasonably and substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of your home or other premises
  • injure health or be likely to injure health

This can include dust and grit from a person's home, a building site, factory or other business premises.

Dust and grit that you can report to us

We deal with reports about dust that is coming from:

  • domestic premises
  • building work
  • construction vehicles
  • quarries
  • cement works
  • waste and recycling facilities
  • other industrial sites

What happens next

When you make a complaint, we will contact the domestic premise or business to investigate the problem. 

We will check what measures are already in place to control the dust and grit, and advise the owner on any action they should take.

If we find that the problem is a statutory nuisance, an abatement notice can be served to the person or business responsible. Anyone who continues to break the law can be fined.