Overview

• Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, soil, rubble and most garden waste are classified as controlled waste that must be disposed of through licensed carriers or approved tips.
• Households storing or fly-tipping garden debris face up to £400 in fines, with serious breaches prosecuted for maximum penalties of £5,000 or even imprisonment.
• Councils may issue Section 79 statutory nuisance notices for waste that creates health or environmental hazards and use Section 215 planning powers to tackle unsightly gardens affecting neighbourhood appearance.
• Decking Superstore has warned that common DIY leftovers such as soil mounds, broken bricks and discarded materials can be treated as illegal waste if left unattended.
• Experts recommend monthly garden inspections and prompt disposal of debris to avoid enforcement visits and legal action.