Here at Baguley’s, it baffles us why some people think it’s fine to chuck their waste in other people’s skips. We see it as a form of theft, forcing someone else to pay to remove your waste. It is anti-social behaviour, and it is illegal.

But unfortunately, the law is long outdated. As it stands, unless you can track down the offender, their waste has become your responsibility to dispose of.

So, what can you do?

Prevention is better than cure. Ask us to deliver the skip the day you are ready to fill it and book the collection date in at the same time. Unfortunately, the longer an empty skip lingers, the more chance it has of being filled with rubbish that’s not yours. Where possible, have the skip placed out of sight.

As for the skips themselves, here at Baguley’s we offer skips with heavy-duty covers (lids) some of which can be locked. You can call us on 01253 693636 for more information on these types of skips.

Consider installing CCTV on your property, with clear visible signage that anyone using the skip is being recorded on camera. Highlight that the footage will be used to bring action against anyone using the skip. In addition, well-placed lights activated by a sensor may act as a good deterrent. Finally, for perimeter security, consider a secure gate that can be closed and locked.

If waste still finds its way into your skip and you know who the waste dumper is, you can use a ‘self-help’ remedy and return any items to the owner directly, legally. This is because anyone entering onto your land is committing a trespass, so the items left on your land are also referred to as trespassing items. In addition, you could seek an injunction against them, preventing them accessing your property. The offender could be found in contempt of court and face a prison sentence if the injunction isn’t adhered to. Certain restrictive covenants could assist you if the perpetrators turn out to be close neighbours. You might want to look at the paperwork you were given when you purchased the property of any covenants that burden or benefit your land.

If the skip has not been placed on private land, you can try speaking with your local council. Councils do have powers to bring action against anyone found to have deposited household, commercial or industrial waste. If found guilty, an offender can be sentenced for up to five years and face an unlimited fine. Courts can also make an order so that the offender needs to pay costs associated with having the waste removed. Another option is to bring a private action under The Environmental Protection Act 1990, which is the act the Environment Agency would use to bring a case. Waste collection authorities also have powers to issue fixed penalty notices.

In summary, we sympathise with the people who have paid to hire a skip, only to have free loaders dump in it. Taking the preventive steps above should go a long way to stop it from happening, however, if it does, know that the law is on your side and there are options to prosecute and have the waste returned to the culprit.