Waste scams and fly tipping

Kent Police is warning land and property owners to be aware of baled waste which is leaving some with very large clean up bills.  Waste such as plastic, builder’s rubble, commercial and household waste which can’t be recycled is being compressed into a bale and concealed with plastic strapping. Criminals are then renting land or buildings which they have filled with this waste before disappearing. The Police warn this type of crime is organised and targeted and both land and property owners need to be aware that it is taking place and they should be vigilant in carrying out checks before agreeing to let their land or building.

This situation and more general instances of fly tipping is likely to increase since Kent County Council introduced charges at Household Waste Recycling Centres on 3 June. Items such as breeze blocks, bricks, ceramic bathroom fittings, flagstones, hardcore, plasterboard, sand, soil and tiles all join the list of items including tyres which are now being charged for disposal.

Residents can continue to deposit general household waste free of charge and other items of DIY waste such as kitchen units, non-ceramic sinks, baths and doors can still be taken to the centres for free.

Charges are £4 per bag (standard black sack size) or item and plasterboard is £6 per bag or sheet. Tyres cost £2.50 each to dispose of.  There are restrictions on the number of items which can be taken each day.

If you run a business where you are transporting waste, buying, selling or disposing of waste or if you arrange for someone else to buy, sell or dispose of waste then you should register your business. It is free to register and you can be fined up to £5,000 if you don’t. Further details can be found at https://www.gov.uk/waste-carrier-or-broker-registration