Outcomes of the day are:
• 5 vehicles stopped and searched
• 2 Fixed Penalty Notices issued
• 1 producer issued
• 1 vehicle seized.
Cllr Tim Valentine, cabinet member for environment at the council, said:
“We’ve seen an increase in fly tipping since lockdown began in March so this crackdown couldn’t have come at a better time.
Household waste and recycling centres are now open, so there is no excuse for people to dispose of their waste illegally.
Appointments can be pre-booked on KCC’s website to help keep people safe, maintain social distancing and reduce queues.
We urge anybody that has been doing any home renovations or clearing out to make sure they use a licensed waste carrier if not disposing of the rubbish themselves.
If evidence is found that leads back to the householder, they can receive an on the spot fine of up to £400, so always ask to see a waste carriers license before using them.
We seized a vehicle this time, and any unlicensed waste carriers suspected of fly tipping will also lose their vehicle.”
More and more of these action days 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. 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 licenced to carry waste by visiting the Environment Agency website below, 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
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