Some mistakes can sadly lead to massive fines. We want to help you avoid one here. So, read on to learn more about a surprisingly common mistake people make in spring, one that could result in a fine or worse. Then, if you want to arrange skip hire in Middlesbrough or other parts of Teesside, you can trust L&C.

Fly tipping

Councils all over the UK are cracking down on fly tippers. The aim is to protect areas and the environment. As a result, many have patrols and even monitor areas where fly tipping is a regular occurrence. If they catch someone in the act, they can issue fixed penalty notices (FPNs) up to £1,000. More serious cases can end up in court; the punishment for a conviction is larger fines or even a prison term (depending on the court).

While some people dump waste intentionally, you can fall foul of the law accidentally too. It can happen if the wind blows rubbish from your property into public areas. It can also happen if you accidentally leave piles or bags of it in public, even for a short time.

Spring gardening

While we had a very wet start to 2026, we’ve had some better weather in March. Many people will have taken advantage of it to clear up their gardens ready for the start of spring. However, you need to be careful not to be mistaken for fly tipping. Talk to us about skip hire in Middlesbrough for any garden clearance projects.

If you are clearing your garden, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to avoid potential problems. Firstly, don’t pile rubbish at the front of your property where it could spill into the street or any other public space. Plus, don’t pile it on any land outside of your property line.

Next, make sure you check the weather. If it’s going to be windy, you need to be extra careful to ensure rubbish won’t blow into streets and public spaces.

A key thing to remember is it only takes one complaint to the council to start problems. They can investigate and penalise you if the rubbish causes a nuisance or is a danger to public safety. It’s best to check council rules to be confirm what you need to do. It can also help to notify neighbours of your plans so they don’t complain.

Arrange skip hire in Middlesbrough the easy way

If you are planning a garden clearance, one of the best things you can do is arrange a skip. You can put all kinds of green waste in to dispose of it safely and efficiently. It can also save you from potential problems, including potentially being mistaken for fly tipping.

So, if you do need a skip, rely on L&C. We’re the best name in Teesside, providing reliable, cost effective services. You can book skip hire in Middlesbrough and other areas via our website, or call us directly. If you do get in touch, we can even offer advice about different types of waste and how to dispose of them.