Waste carriers were targeted this week as part of a day of action to crack down on fly-tipping.
Swale Borough Council teamed up with Kent Police’s Rural Task Force this week to carry out enquiries, arrest people suspected of fly-tipping, seize vehicles and collate evidence to prosecute offenders for waste-related crimes.
Outcomes of the day are:
8 vehicles stopped and searched;
3 Fixed Penalty Notices issued; and
1 vehicle seized.
Cllr Tim Valentine, cabinet member for environment at the council, said:
“We are pleased to be part of this cross-organisation effort to crack down on fly-tipping across the borough.
We urge anybody disposing of household items to think carefully about who you use to dispose of the goods.
Unlicensed waste carriers are criminals that are likely to dump rubbish on the side of the road, and as the person engaging the unlicensed carrier, you could face an unlimited fine.
Not only is the person who engaged the unlicensed carrier at risk of receiving a fine, but we also have the power to issue on the spot fines of up to £400 to anyone who is caught fly-tipping.”
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 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 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 #KeepKentClean
Swale Borough Council
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