Fly-tippers have been fined following two separate incidents of household furniture being illegally dumped in Orchard Car Park in Seaton.
At the end of April 2025, East Devon District Council was alerted by a vigilant member of the public that fly-tipped items including a flat‑pack wardrobe, desk, chest of drawers and a sofa had appeared in the car park.
Waste dumping of this nature is illegal, damages local amenities, and undermines the work of our Streetscene staff in keeping public areas clean.
As part of its investigation, the council received photographic evidence and a witness statement from the member of the public, who was able to identify the individual responsible.
On the strength of this evidence, the council traced the offender and issued a £200 Fixed Penalty Notice, which was promptly paid, therefore avoiding escalation to prosecution. It took just under two months from the date of the first report to issuing the penalty notice.
Council staff removed the fly-tipped furniture quickly, with negligible cost to local taxpayers. Staff also provided clear advice to the individual on the correct disposal of bulky household waste:
- Residents can take items to Devon County Council waste and recycling centre, or
- Request bulky waste collection via East Devon District Council, or
- Engage a licensed waste carrier registered with the Environment Agency (it is strongly recommended to verify carriers’ credentials via the Environment Agency website).
Councillor Geoff Jung, Portfolio Holder Environment – Operational, East Devon District Council, said: “Fly-tipping is a serious offence with a damaging impact on our towns and communities. With evidence, we will act swiftly to hold offenders to account. I’d like to thank the member of the public whose vigilance helped secure this outcome. I urge all residents to dispose of waste responsibly: use licensed waste carriers, recycling centres, or report issues to the council promptly.”
Fly-tipped waste can include:
- Household rubbish.
- Large domestic items (e.g. wardrobes, sofas, mattresses).
- Garden refuse.
- Dead animals.
- Tyres.
- Clinical waste.
East Devon District Council is responsible for the removal of fly-tipping from council-owned property, Devon County Council highways, roads, pavements and lay-bys. It is the responsibility of landowners to remove fly-tipping from private property
However, the council’s enforcement officers will investigate fly-tipping incidents on public and private land. Any fly-tipping incidents should be reported via our website.
Vandals sought for spate of bus shelter damage in Exmouth
Burglary at Royal Albert Memorial Museum
Membury Primary Good Ofsted in all Areas
Chance to become one of Exeter’s much-loved Red Coats
New Cranbrook Leisure Centre project moves to next stage
Four council-run venues named among top 10% on Tripadvisor
Go-ahead for Exeter King Billy student flats
Two Devon politicians encourage asylum hotel protesters to relocate
