
Dealing with Fly Tipping 34B & 34C Environmental Protection Act
Dealing with Fly Tipping Using Environmental Protection Act By Taking a Robust Stance:
Hello, I’m Andrew Coates, a High Court Enforcement Officer (HCEO) and one of only 40 in the UK to hold a Level 4 Diploma in Enforcement. Today, I want to talk about a serious issue affecting our communities: Dealing with Fly Tipping using Environmental Protection Act. Local authorities often struggle with this problem, and I’ll explain how robust enforcement can send a clear message to those responsible.
Fly-tipping isn’t just unsightly; it’s a crime that damages our environment and costs taxpayers significant sums. To tackle this, local authorities need to take decisive action. This is where the Environmental Protection Act 1990, specifically sections 34B and 34C, and the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 come into play.
Understanding the Legislation Dealing with Fly Tipping using Environmental Protection Act Sections 34B and 34C
Sections 34B and 34C of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 give local authorities the power to seize vehicles used in fly-tipping. This is a powerful tool. It allows councils to disrupt illegal waste disposal operations by removing the very tools of the trade. The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 provides further powers to close down premises used for illegal activities, including waste disposal.
A Case Study:
Robust Enforcement Action Dealing with Fly Tipping using Environmental Protection Act
Let’s look at a real-world example. A District Council faced a persistent problem: anti-social behaviour and an illegal waste disposal operation run by a single family across two sites. Despite repeated attempts to resolve the issue, the family continued to cause significant disruption to local residents.
The council decided to take a robust stance. They instructed Quality Bailiffs, a sister company to Frank G Whitworth, one of the most experienced bailiff companies in the UK, to act as their agents.
Here’s how the operation unfolded:
- Simultaneous Notices: The council served notices to close both sites under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
- Vehicle Seizure: Simultaneously, Quality Bailiffs seized and removed vehicles and equipment used in the waste operation, acting under sections 34B and 34C of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
- Court Orders: The council obtained a court warrant/order to close both premises on the same day.
- Site Clearance: Once the warrant was served, everyone except residents had to leave. The next day, an additional order required even residents to vacate.
- Enforcement Action: Quality Bailiffs, supported by police and council officials, executed the operation. This involved serving closure notices, seizing vehicles, and ensuring site clearance.
- Resistance and Resolution: The team faced aggressive resistance and threats, including death threats, but remained steadfast. Over two days, they successfully cleared the sites, and the council installed concrete blocks to prevent re-entry.
- Court Proceedings: The case then proceeded through the courts.
This operation demonstrates how local authorities can take a robust stance against fly-tipping. By acting swiftly and decisively, the council sent a clear message: illegal waste disposal will not be tolerated.

Dealing with Fly Tipping 34B & 34C Environmental Protection Act
The Impact of Robust Enforcement Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
This type of action has several positive effects:
- Deterrence: It sends a strong deterrent message to potential fly-tippers.
- Community Reassurance: It reassures residents that the council is taking their concerns seriously.
- Environmental Protection: It helps to protect the environment from the harmful effects of illegal waste disposal.
Top 10 local authorities by total fly-tipping incidents for the year 2022-23.

Top 10 local authorities by total fly-tipping incidents for the year 2022-23
Why Choose Frank G Whitworth?
Frank G Whitworth, established in 1948, is one of the most experienced bailiff companies in the UK. We understand the complexities of enforcement and have a proven track record of success. Our staff have even been featured on BBC1’s “The Sheriffs are Coming,” showcasing our expertise and professionalism.
We are proud to work alongside local authorities to tackle fly-tipping and other enforcement challenges. Our experience, combined with our understanding of the relevant legislation, makes us a valuable partner for councils seeking to take a robust stance.
Further Information
If you are a local authority looking for expert enforcement services, please visit our website: https://sheriffsarecoming.co.uk/ and to instruct us please visit https://www.frankgwhitworth.co.uk/ You can find out more about our services and how we can help you address fly-tipping and other enforcement issues.
By working together, we can create cleaner, safer communities for everyone.
The team At Frank G Whitworth have been providing enforcement services since 1948 with our sister Company Quality Bailiffs we are Professional Private Investigators and High Court Enforcement Officers. Our work was featured on the BBC1’s fly on the wall documentary “The Sheriffs are Coming” Our team understand all about the importance of acting quickly and professionally.
Contact Frank G Whitworth now
0208 106 5397
sales@frankgwhitworth.co.uk
124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX
Professional Associations and Certifications
Professional associations and certifications can provide reassurance of a companies credibility and competence. Look for affiliations with industry organisations such as the Association of British Investigators and the High Court Enforcement Officers Association
Choose a company who is recognised by reputable professional associations and holds relevant certifications to ensure that they adhere to industry standards and best practices. Frank G Whitworth and its sister company Quality Bailiffs are true professionals .Some of our team of agents on the ground include Luke, Grant James and Ben
We operate all around England and Wales providing numerous services like CRAR , recovering debts, evictions of tenants, eviction of travellers & trespassers . This is done in all locations including London, Birmingham, Plymouth
About the Author
This article was written by Andy Coates, Authorised High Court Enforcement Officer and full member of The High Court Enforcement Officers Association, and current CEO of Quality Bailiffs.
Andy has a Level 4 diploma in High Court Enforcement, and over twenty five years of experience in the bailiff and investigation industry. He is a former governing council member of both CIVEA and ABI.
Other great reads from our blog include:
Enforcement of possession orders
Forfeiture of lease a landlords Guide
Forfeiture of lease in Coventry

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