Report a build-up of waste
You can report a build-up or deposit of waste material to us if it is having a significant impact on you and your home.
We will only investigate problems that are a statutory nuisance.
Piles of waste that are not having a direct impact do not constitute a statutory nuisance.
How we assess an overgrown land complaint
Overgrown land and untidy gardens can impact on the appearance of a neighbourhood. However, we will only take action on untidy gardens or land if they contain items which may be harmful to health or a nuisance, for example, rotting food waste which may create an odour or attract pests.
Not all overgrown gardens attract rats as they also need a supply of food and water. Inert materials, such as rubble and timber, are unlikely to cause a nuisance.
Report a build-up of waste on private land
You cannot make an anonymous report to us. We will not share your name or contact details with the person or landowner you are reporting.
We will carry out an investigation and take action where possible. If we cannot take action, you may be able to take legal action yourself.
How complaints are assessed
We can investigate complaints about accumulations of waste material at premises that could be a statutory nuisance.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 allows us to take action against odour problems that do one of the following:
- unreasonably and substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises
- injure health or be likely to injure health
What we can take action against
We can take action against build-ups or deposits of waste material that are having a direct impact on nearby residents.
The accumulation must be likely to either:
- harbour or attract pests, for example, rats
- present a health risk for humans
What we cannot take action against
Piles of waste that are not causing harm do not constitute a statutory nuisance.
For example, a large pile of building rubble that is not likely to harbour pests is not a statutory nuisance.
In these circumstances, we may informally contact the person responsible to discuss the problem. However, no formal action will be taken.
What happens next
When you make a complaint, we will contact the person responsible to investigate the problem.
We will then decide if the problem is a statutory nuisance and advise the owner on any action they should take.
If we find that the problem is a statutory nuisance, an abatement notice can be served to the person or business responsible. Anyone who continues to break the law can be fined.