Crackdown On Fly-Tipping And Illegal Waste Carriers

Waste carriers were targeted earlier this month (Thursday 5th February) as part of a new regular crackdown on fly-tipping in the borough. 

 Swale Borough Council teamed up with Kent Police’s Community Safety Unit (CSU) to tackle suspected fly-tipping, collect evidence, and take enforcement action for waste related crimes. 

Officers stopped and searched vehicles transporting waste, checking their paperwork, and gathering evidence for further investigation, including serial numbers of unlawfully transported car parts.

Two offenders received fixed penalty notices of £300 for failing to produce a permit to carry waste or the other necessary documents. 

Cllr Dolley Wooster, Chair of the Environmental Services Committee at the council, told SFM News:  “We take fly-tipping and other waste crimes very seriously; illegally dumped waste is not only a blight on our countryside but is also damaging to our environment. If we are to successfully tackle waste related crime, especially larger scale fly-tipping, we need to work closely with partner agencies to bring these criminals to justice. The op assists are a great example of this joint-working having real results stopping the people who are transporting the waste and disrupting the waste sites’ logistical operations.  

Cllr Wooster went on to add: “While this does act as a deterrent, we also need the help of our residents to make sure their waste doesn’t end up down our alleyways or country lanes. Be wary of cheap waste removal services, and make sure they the correct documentation, including a license and that you get a waste transfer note. We look forward to continuing to work alongside the Kent Police, the Environment Agency and our residents to keep Swale clean.” 

 Sergeant Phil Crowley from Kent Police told SFM News: “Targeting illegal waste carriers is essential to preventing fly-tipping and safeguarding our environment. These activities not only damage our countryside but also undermine legitimate businesses and harm local communities. By taking action against offenders, we are reinforcing the message that environmental crime will not be tolerated.”

Swale Borough Council have confirmed that they now regularly carry out these days of action with the Kent Police. The council’s enforcement team gathers intelligence in advance to help target the right areas to carry out their duties.   

What can you do to dispose of your waste responsibly?  

Fly-tippers often target households via social media or local advertising, luring customers in with cheap rates to dispose of unwanted furniture, building rubble or garden waste.  

However, these unlicensed waste carriers often simply dump the waste wherever they can get away with it, including in Kent’s country lanes.  

Householders or small businesses found to be using criminals to dispose of their waste can and are being prosecuted by local authorities in Kent with fixed penalty notices. Failure to pay such an FPN may result in court action where fines can be significantly larger.  

To prevent this, householders should check whether someone is licensed to carry waste by visiting the Environment Agency website, or by calling 03708 506506.  

It also helps if householders receive a written receipt or transfer note, including contact details, description of waste removed and details of where the waste is being taken to.  

You can check what can be disposed of for free here: Charges at HWRCs - Kent County Council