Swale Borough Council - Fly-tippers Targeted in Joint Operation

A multi-agency operation on Monday saw suspected fly-tippers targeted as part of a day of action to crackdown against those suspected of the crime.

Swale Borough Council had teamed up with Kent Police’s Rural Task Force to carry out enquiries, arrest people suspected of fly-tipping, seize vehicles and collate evidence. Whilst the council will be interviewing suspects and building cases in effort to prosecute, the initial outcomes of the day of action are: -

• 3 vehicles stopped and searched;
• 1 Producer Notice issued

A further 2 vehicles were seized for police offences.

Councillor Tim Valentine, the cabinet member for environment at the council, said:

“Having the chance to work with our colleagues in the police gives us the chance to send a strong signal to those who illegally dump waste.

We have the power to issue on the spot fines to carriers who don’t have the right waste transfer papers, and the police can and will seize vehicles if necessary.

We would ask anyone having work done at their home to make sure that they check the person taking away their waste has a license to do so, or it could end up fly-tipped, and you could face prosecution.”

More and more of these days of actions are taking place across the County. A tremendous amount of preparation takes place ahead of these days, including the gathering of vital intelligence to support the Council’s Enforcement team with 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 where ever 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 that go up to £400 per offence.

To prevent this, householders should check whether someone is licenced to carry waste by visiting the Environment Agency website or alternatively call: 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.

The 13 Kent councils, along with Kent Police, are working in partnership to Keep Kent Clean. To keep updated with the councils’ efforts to tackle fly-tipping and littering, follow #KeepKentClean

Swale Borough Council

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