Kent Council Battles Gangs Over £90K Fly-Tipping Costs

Gravesham Borough Council reported spending £90,000 on clearing illegally dumped waste during the 2024-2025 financial year. This figure underscores a significant increase in environmental crime, which investigators suggest is increasingly linked to organized criminal gangs seeking substantial profits with minimal penalties.

Authorities have raised 504 investigations and issued numerous warnings and fines. Environmental enforcement manager Tim Harris noted a trend where "rewards are high, penalties are lower and there's a massive network involved." He emphasized the significant financial incentives driving these activities.

One recent incident involved waste dumped in a nature reserve, including items like address labels and court documents, suggesting a traceable origin. The cost to clear this small amount was estimated at £200, a fraction of the council's total expenditure.

Private landowners are also impacted, with one farmer reporting spending £2,000 on clearing dumped materials on his property. Councils can issue on-the-spot fines, but severe cases can lead to magistrates' court penalties of up to £50,000 and 12 months imprisonment.

Investigators are urging the public to be vigilant, thoroughly checking the credentials of anyone hired to dispose of waste. Failure to do so can result in prosecution for those who hired the unscrupulous waste disposal services.