Rubbish on private land
What can the council investigate
We can investigate rubbish on private land if it:
- could attract rats or mice (like old mattresses or soft furniture)
- could provide food for rats or mice
We usually don’t investigate rubbish such as builders waste or old appliances, as these are unlikely to attract pests.
Rubbish on private alleyways or service roads
If a private alleyway or service road is not maintained by the council, the owner of the land, or those who use it, are responsible for maintaining it.
Report rubbish on private land
To report rubbish on private land, contact our Environmental Health Service by:
- telephone: 020 8359 7995
- email: nuisance@barnet.gov.uk
Please include:
- your address and phone number
- details of the property where the rubbish is located
Barnet residents can dispose of waste materials at the Civic Amenity and Recycling Centre located at:
Summers Lane
North Finchley
N12 0RF
Fly-tipping, business waste, and other environmental crimes
The council is working to stop:
- fly-tipping
- littering
- dog fouling
- businesses not managing their waste correctly
If you commit these fines, you could face a fine and legal action.
Overgrown gardens
The council does not have power to make someone cut back an overgrown garden unless it is blocking a public path. This is because overgrown gardens generally don’t pose a risk to public health.
Issues such as repairing garden fences or plants growing over boundaries are private disagreements. We suggest you get legal advice for these kinds of problems.