While researching another question, I came across the term 'fly tipping' that is used in the UK. Is this dumping over other people's garbage cans or dustbins?

Tiresias

It is unauthorised dumping and can be on virtually any site. The conscientious disposer uses the local authority service or takes the refuse to an approved site. Fly tippers leave their rubbish anywhere, very often on the side of the road, lay-bys etc. Since the EU in its wisdom decided that refrigerators require specialist disposal and local authorities are yet not equipped to provide that service, fridges are one item often 'fly tipped' Apr 06 02, 10:36 PM

Brainy Blonde

Aha, we have the same problem here and it is taken quite seriously, especially if it is toxic waste. I had never heard the expression 'fly tipping' before. Thanks for clearing that up. You can learn something everyday, I just did!! Apr 07 02, 1:22 AM

mk2norwich

At the sides of most major roads in the UK are notices reminding motorists (or drivers, I'm not sure if all countries use the word 'motorists' ) not to dispose of any waste, and offenders, if caught, may be fined. In spite of this, it is, sadly, not uncommon to observe on one's travels various items of refuse which have been left to rot or rust. 'Fly tipping' is not an expression of speech that gets used much in my part of the country, most people would use the term 'dumping'. By far the worst offenders here are the travelling families, who illegally occupy private land with their caravans, and when they leave (usually not by choice) they will leave behind anything from gas canisters and refrigerators, to washing machines and burned-out cars. Apr 07 02, 11:54 AM

los cojones

The worst fly tipping is mainly by 'cowboy' skip firms and is done to avoid the spiralling costs of dumping in landfill sites and is so called because it is done 'on the fly' Apr 07 02, 5:31 PM