Kent warns over waste disposal amid fly-tipping clear-ups

Gravesham Borough Council says some fly-tipping appears linked to organised activity; the council spent £90,000 on clear-ups and opened 504 investigations, with 33 cases sent for prosecution.

Gravesham Borough Council has reported regular clear-ups of illegally dumped waste and is urging care over who handles household refuse. Officials said some local fly-tipping appears linked to organised activity, which has prompted more detailed investigations. The council recorded substantial enforcement work in the year to March 2025 and used public funds for removals. Investigators said they are following leads that could result in prosecutions. Key facts: - Gravesham Borough Council spent £90,000 clearing illegally dumped waste and opened 504 investigations in the year to March 2025. - From April 2024 to March 2025 the council issued 210 Community Protection Warnings, 124 Fixed Penalty Notices and sent 33 cases to prosecution. - Investigators reported finding documents and other items during patrols that they said could support prosecutions, and some prosecutions have resulted in fines. - When waste is left on private land the landowner may be responsible for removal costs; on-the-spot fines for minor offences are typically between £200 and £400. Summary: Officials say patterns of dumping have led the council to step up enforcement and to pursue prosecutions where evidence is found. Thirty-three cases were sent for prosecution and some convictions have resulted in fines; the broader outcome of remaining investigations is undetermined at this time.