31/05/2026
Fly-Tipping on Horsell Common Highlights Need for Care When Hiring Waste Contractors
The Horsell Common Preservation Society is urging residents to take greater care when arranging waste removal after another significant incident of fly-tipping on the Common.
A large quantity of rubbish was recently dumped illegally on Horsell Common, requiring the Society to arrange and pay for a skip as well as commit many hours of staff and volunteer time to clear the site.
During the clean-up, identifying details were discovered amongst the waste, enabling the Society to trace the origin of the rubbish and take firm action to address the matter directly with the individual concerned.
It subsequently emerged that the person had paid a contractor a modest fee to remove the waste, but had failed to thoroughly check the contractor’s credentials or ensure that they were licensed to dispose of rubbish legally. Instead, the waste was unlawfully dumped on the Common.
The Society says this type of incident is becoming increasingly common and places an unnecessary financial and operational burden on the charity.
“Every hour and every pound spent clearing fly-tipping is time and money that cannot be spent maintaining and protecting Horsell Common for the benefit of the community,” a spokesperson said.
Residents are reminded that householders have a legal responsibility to ensure their waste is disposed of properly. Before hiring anyone to remove rubbish, people should check that the contractor is a registered waste carrier and ask for proper documentation.
The Horsell Common Preservation Society continues to appeal for vigilance from the public in helping to protect the Common from environmental damage and anti-social behaviour.
