Council issues renewed appeal over fly-tipping
13 March 2026
Derry City and Strabane District Council has issued a renewed appeal to local people to be aware of the impact of fly-tipping and littering across the Council area.
Councils lead on local fly-tipping enforcement and have specific powers under environmental protection and waste management legislation to investigate and take action against offenders. However, illegal dumping and littering continues to take place across Derry and Strabane, damaging the environment putting pressure on services and placing an unnecessary financial burden on ratepayers.
Today the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, issued a reminder that everyone has a responsibility when it comes to protecting the local environment.
“Fly-tipping affects every one of us. It damages our environment, undermines community pride, and costs significant public money to clean up. I am appealing to everyone to think carefully about their waste and where possible, consider donating to charity or local reuse & repair centres before illegally dumping it.
I also encourage residents to use Council’s bin collection and recycling services and report any fly tipping incidents you see. By working together, we can protect our environment and keep Derry and Strabane clean and safe for everyone.”
Head of Environment and Building Control with Council, Conor Canning, added: “Council takes a zero tolerance approach to fly-tipping. Our Waste Enforcement Team investigates all reported incidents with a view to identifying and prosecuting perpetrators. Where sufficient evidence is available, a Fixed Penalty Notice will be issued, and in serious cases, matters will proceed to prosecution.
“I want to remind everyone that fly-tipping is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated.”
Council operates a range of waste services to assist the public, including a free bulky waste collection service which is available throughout the year, alongside weekly bin collections and access to recycling centres across the Council area. The 4Rs New 2 You Reuse Centre also operates at Pennyburn Recycling Centre accepting large items of furniture while Repair & Share Foyle accept small broken electrical items and anything that can’t be reused or repaired, will be responsibly recycled.
Council is urging members of the public to play their part by reporting incidents promptly so they can be fully investigated. Reports can be made online at www.derrystrabane.com/recycling or by contacting the Council by phone on 02871 253253.