Hertfordshire County Council has updated its guidance for reporting fly-tipping to help people in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, provide better evidence against illegal dumpers. The new system, launched on February 12, 2026, aims to make it easier for the community to report rubbish dumped in streets or rural areas.
The council has introduced a postcode map on its website that helps residents find the right contact for a specific area. This tool is part of a plan to help the Hertfordshire County Council and its partners, including Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, identify who is responsible for clearing waste, whether it is on a public road or private land.
Residents are being asked to record specific details when they see dumped waste, such as the exact location, the time it was found, and any vehicle details. The updated advice also encourages people to take photos that include digital location tags and timestamps to help with official investigations.
This update follows a review of the Let’s S.C.R.A.P. Fly-tipping campaign, which teaches people to check if the person taking their rubbish is a licensed waste carrier. The Hertfordshire Fly Tipping Group, which includes local police, the National Farmers Union (NFU), and the Environment Agency, will use the improved evidence to issue fines and pursue prosecutions.
Official advice from the WasteAware partnership reminds the public that fly-tipping can lead to a fixed penalty notice of up to £1,000 or an unlimited fine in court. If someone sees a person dumping rubbish in real time, they are told to treat it as a crime and call the police immediately on 999.
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