If you see a truck, van or lorry tipping waste, whether it’s a crate, one bag or large loads report it immediately.
If you have spotted someone fly tipping, send us the details:
- Dates and times
- Precise details help us identify culprits
- Location, exact spot fly tipping has occurred
- Description, details about the waste and any vehicles involved
- Evidence, Ring Doorbell or CCTV footage
Or email our fly tipping team on: fly.tipping@colchester.gov.uk
How to spot scammers involved in fly‑tipping
Fly‑tipping scammers often pretend to be “cheap waste collectors” or “man with a van” types who promise a bargain, take residents’ money, and then dump the rubbish illegally. Here are the most common signs to look out for
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Legitimate waste disposal has real costs (transport, labour, disposal fees). Scammers lure people with:
- “£20 all waste removed today”
- “Tip run cheap”
- “Any rubbish gone now”
They can’t show a waste carrier licence.
Anyone removing waste must be licensed with the Environment Agency.
Signs of a scammer:
- They refuse to show a licence.
- They claim, “I don’t need one.”
- They send a blurry screenshot or a fake badge.
You (or residents) can check instantly at: environment.data.gov.uk/public-register
What you should always do
A simple checklist you can share:
- Ask for the waste carrier licence number
- Check it online (2‑minute check)
- Ask for a waste transfer note or receipt
- Take a photo of the vehicle and the collector
- Never pay in cash without paperwork
- Use the Council’s bulky waste service or trusted local companies
- If fly‑tipped waste is traced back to your address, you could receive a Fixed Penalty Notice, even if you were scammed.