Who Is Responsible for Clearing Fly-Tipping From an Alleyway?

Fly-tipping is an ongoing issue across the UK, and judging by recent statistics, the problem isn’t set to get any better. In fact, data collected by local authorities across the UK shows that in 2024, an estimated 1.15 million incidents of illegal waste dumping were reported – an increase of 6% on the previous year.

Given that alleyways are typically dark, dingy and unmonitored, they’re much more likely to be targeted by fly-tippers than open, well-maintained spaces. If you’ve noticed that illegal waste has been dumped in an alleyway near your home or business, you’ll naturally want it removed as quickly as possible. But who is responsible for fly-tipping in an alleyway? The team at SCS Waste is here to explain.

Why are alleyways a common target for fly-tippers?

Fly-tippers tend to target alleyways over other areas because:

• They’re often out of sight behind buildings.
• They’re often poorly lit, making it easier to avoid being caught.
• They’re often shared spaces, so there may be the assumption that someone else will deal with the waste.
• They’re typically conveniently located near residential roads, allowing fly-tippers to quickly dump their rubbish and drive off.

Who is responsible for clearing fly-tipping from an alleyway?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer to this question, as it entirely depends on who owns or manages the land. However, this can also be tricky to establish, as alleyways are usually shared spaces that connect multiple properties. In most cases, responsibility for an alleyway falls into one of the following categories:

• Council-owned alleyways: If an alleyway is classed as public land – for instance, if it forms part of a public footpath – then the local council is charged with its maintenance and, consequently, removing any illegal waste that might build up there.
  

• Privately-owned alleyways: If an alleyway is privately owned – whether that’s by an individual or a business – then the property owner is liable for removing any waste, even if they’re not the one who dumped it there.
  

• Shared alleyways: Shared alleyways are common – especially behind terraced houses and older properties – but determining who owns them can be a bit of a grey area. In most cases, an alleyway is jointly owned by the owners of the adjoining properties, but the best way to confirm who is responsible for a specific section of land is by consulting the property deeds or requesting the relevant Land Registry records. Ultimately, clarifying ownership will also establish who is legally responsible for removing any fly-tipped waste.
  

• Alleyways under property management or housing association control: For alleyways surrounding blocks of flats or housing estates, the housing association or property management company will be responsible for clearing any illegal waste as part of their maintenance duties.

What to do about fly-tipping

Fly-tipping is illegal, so if you’ve been a victim, it’s important to report it. Take photos of the waste and note down all the relevant information – the exact location, when the waste was dumped and a description of any vehicles or people involved – and report it to the police on the non-emergency number. 

You should also report it to your local council if the alleyway is on public land. Should you have trouble getting a response, FixMyStreet is a great resource for alerting your local council to local issues, including illegal waste dumping. For hazardous waste or large-scale instances of fly-tipping, you should also get in touch with CrimeStoppers.

If you own the alleyway in question, you’ll need the help of a trusted expert to dispose of the waste as quickly as possible, before someone gets hurt or more waste accumulates. Here at SCS Waste, we offer a reliable fly-tipping clearance service to domestic and commercial customers across Arundel, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis and the surrounding region of West Sussex – contact us for a quote or to learn more.