Fly-tipping in Wigan and your duty of care
Hiring someone to take your rubbish in Wigan? Here's how to check them and avoid a fine, checked against Wigan Council pages on 30 October 2026.
- Fly-tipping can bring a fine of up to £50,000 and/or 12 months, or an unlimited fine and/or 5 years in Crown Court
- Failing your duty of care: fixed penalty £300, or £120 if paid within 14 days
- Choose a registered waste carrier and ask to see the licence
- Report fly-tipping through MyAccount
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Penalties
The council page says fly-tipping is a criminal offence with a maximum penalty of a fine of up to £50,000 and/or 12 months in prison, and that a Crown Court conviction may bring an unlimited fine and/or five years. Separately, its household duty of care page says the fixed penalty for failing your duty of care is £300, with a lesser £120 if you pay within 14 days.
Checking a collector
- Check the person or firm is a registered waste carrier and ask to see their licence
- Look them up on the Environment Agency public register (Natural Resources Wales licences also count)
- Ask for a receipt that says what they took, where they disposed of it and what you paid
- Keep anything you do not want secure on your own property until it is lawfully disposed of
The council page gives two different Environment Agency phone numbers, so check the number before you ring.
Reporting
Wigan Borough residents can report fly-tipping through MyAccount. Anyone else can use the separate online form on the council website.
Safer options: the council bulky collection, a trip to the Wigan tips, or licensed rubbish removal.