Fly-tipping — the illegal dumping of waste — costs Glasgow City Council millions every year to clean up. It damages local environments, attracts vermin, and brings down entire neighbourhoods. The penalties are severe, and getting caught is easier than ever.
What Counts as Fly-Tipping?
Any dumping of waste without a licence on land that doesn't have permission for waste disposal. This includes leaving a mattress in a back lane, dumping bags of rubble on waste ground, or abandoning furniture on the street. Even leaving items beside a full bin counts.
Current Penalties
Fixed penalty notices of £200 for minor offences. Court prosecution for serious cases, with fines up to £40,000 and/or 12 months' imprisonment. For very serious or repeat offences, unlimited fines and up to 5 years in prison. Your vehicle can also be seized if used for fly-tipping.
How People Get Caught
CCTV at known hotspots. Dashcam footage from passing vehicles. Witnesses and neighbour reports. Evidence found in the dumped waste (letters, packaging with names and addresses). Council enforcement officers actively patrol problem areas.
How to Report Fly-Tipping
Report online through the Glasgow City Council website or the FixMyStreet app. Include the location, a description of the waste, and photos if possible. You can also call the council's cleansing services. Reports can be made anonymously.
Protecting Yourself
If you hire someone to remove your waste, you have a legal 'duty of care' to check they're a licensed waste carrier. Ask for their waste carrier's licence number and check it on the SEPA website. If they dump your waste illegally, you can be held responsible.
Our Commitment
We're a licensed waste carrier (registered with SEPA). Every collection comes with a waste transfer note confirming your waste was disposed of legally. This protects you completely — keep the note for your records.
Need help with waste removal?
Send a photo of what needs to go and we'll quote you within minutes. Same-day service available across Glasgow.