Havering Council issued three £250 fixed penalty notices after the rubbish was fly-tipped near a school in Brentwood Road.
The council’s environmental enforcement team traced the dumped rubbish back to homes in Hornchurch, Upminster and Kent.
All three households admitted paying a private waste collector to remove their rubbish.
Anyone or any business that transfers waste to an unlicensed waste carrier “commits a separate offence” and is still liable for any waste if it later becomes fly-tipped.
Residents are being urged to check the credentials of any waste disposal service they employ.
This includes ensuring they have a waste carriers licence and can provide a valid waste transfer note or receipt.
Those who fail to comply with these regulations risk being fined or prosecuted if the waste is subsequently fly-tipped.
Councillor Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, said: “This is another great example of the work our enforcement teams carry out.
“Under our Where We Live campaign, we are asking people to help us keep our borough cleaner and tidier and to not fly tip.
“This includes checking who you pay to take your rubbish away – if it gets dumped, not only is it illegal but it can be traced back to where it came from and you could be fined or prosecuted.
“Along with the police, we are also regularly carrying out stop checks on waste carriers and will take the strongest action against those who haven’t got a licence and who fly-tip in our borough.”
The council said Havering’s enforcement officers, in collaboration with the police, frequently patrol to spot illegal waste carriers.
If a waste carrier is found without a licence, they could face fines or prosecution and risk having their vehicle seized.
Residents are reminded that they can dispose of their own additional household waste free of charge at the local waste and recycling centre in Gerpins Lane.
