Joint Operation Clamps Down on Unlicensed Waste and Scrap Collectors

Officers from Thanet and other local authorities across East Kent have been working together in a joint operation to target unlicensed waste and scrap collectors operating in Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, and Thanet.  The intelligence-led operation took place on 12 June 2019 and included Kent Police, HM Revenue & Customs, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Kent County Council, and the Kent Resource Partnership.  The operation was part of ongoing partnership work to prevent fly tipping and offer help and advice to waste collectors and dealers.

Checks were made on those transporting controlled waste to ensure that they had the correct licences and documentation.  Advice was provided to a number of businesses and waste carriers to help them to continue to operate lawfully.  For those not complying with the law further enforcement action will be taken where necessary.

In total 107 vehicles were stopped across East Kent, with 27 Local Authority Producer Notices being issued for those transporting controlled waste; four Traffic Offence Reports issued; five Local Authority Fixed Penalty Notices being issued; five vehicles seized; one arrest; two persons interviewed and reported for summons, and; four Prohibition Notices issued by DVSA.

Those involved in producing waste from a business, collecting or transporting controlled waste should hold a valid waste carriers licence; with a separate licence being held for those who collect scrap metal.  Transporting waste without a licence is a criminal offence.

Cllr Ash Ashbee, Cabinet for Operational services at Thanet District Council, said: “Collaboratively tackling this type of criminal behaviour with other districts is another positive step forward towards our fight against fly-tipping in Thanet.

“Unfortunately, too many people think that once their waste is removed they are not responsible if it is fly-tipped, but this is simply not the case. Adverts on social media to take rubbish away cheaply are, more often than not, for unlicensed waste carriers who will dump waste irresponsibly. Educating the public on checking for correct waste carrier licences is so important and integral to stamping out the crime of illegally dumping waste!”    

Doug Robertson, Rural Crime Coordinator at Kent Police said: “This was an excellent example of a multi-agency approach to tackle fly tipping offences committed in Kent. This day of action was concentrated on East Kent, but similar activity will take place across the County.

“This initiative adopts a robust enforcement policy but also has the benefit of educating those that are dealt with. People that commit this type of offence need to know that Kent Police take seriously the offence of fly tipping, and other environmental offences, and will continue to work closely with environmental enforcement partners to prosecute those responsible.”