Multi-agency operation to tackle fly tipping in Cheshire West and Chester continues into 2025

Last week Cheshire West and Chester Council joined forces with Cheshire Constabulary’s Rural Crime team and the Environment Agency to tackle fly tipping as part of the now established ‘Operation Flycatcher’.

The operation includes intensive enforcement throughout the borough to tackle fly tipping and waste transfer offences.

Enforcement officers examined reported fly tips across the borough searching for evidence of potential offenders.  Officers also spoke to residents and posted letters to homes in the local area, asking anyone with information that might help identify those responsible for the fly tipping to come forward.  The fly tipping was then immediately removed by the Council’s StreetCare team.

Councillor Christine Warner, Cabinet Member for Homes, Planning and Safer Communities said: 

“The majority of residents in Cheshire West and Chester dispose of their waste appropriately, and I’m grateful for the tireless work of our officers in dealing with those who don’t.  Fly tipping blights our communities and is a huge cost to the taxpayer.  There are also commercial fly tippers operating who are making a lot of money.

“We appeal to residents who witness fly tipping in their area to report the details to us and retain any evidence they may have such as CCTV or doorbell cams.”

Doorstep interviews were carried out where evidence was found, and investigations are continuing.

Officers from Cheshire Police, the Council, and the Environment Agency also worked in partnership carrying out spot checks of commercial vehicles throughout the borough.

Checks were carried out to make sure that if they were carrying waste, they had the required licences and documentation to do so. 

The teams will continue to use mobile CCTV in fly tipping hot spot areas across the borough.

Councillor Warner added:

“Fly tipping will not be tolerated in Cheshire West and Chester.  We will continue to work with our partner agencies and deal with those who commit waste offences promptly and robustly.

 “Operation Fly Catcher is one of a number of innovative approaches we are taking to dealing with these despicable crimes.”

If you are handing over your rubbish to someone to dispose of it for you, always make sure they have a valid waste carrier licence:

Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers

...or it could end up fly tipped somewhere and you risk being fined or prosecuted.

Pictured - Operation Flycatcher in action.