Calls for public awareness to illegal waste dumping linked to organised crime in Kent
Hoads Wood near Ashford remains under investigation by the Environment Agency
Illegal waste dumping in Kent, tied to organised crime groups from as far afield as Scotland and Wales, is costing local taxpayers millions of pounds and has raised urgent calls for better collaboration between enforcement agencies.
Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott said waste criminals are exploiting the county as a dumping ground for huge volumes of illegal materials, leaving sites like Hoads Wood near Ashford severely damaged.
Matthew Scott emphasised the impact the crime is having on Kent’s neighbourhoods, wildlife, and heritage without fear of repercussions.
Mr Scott said, “Police forces know who waste criminals are as they have been involved in multiple crime types. But a lack of collaboration between agencies means intelligence is often lost, and the policing strategy dismisses fly-tipping as somebody else’s problem.”
Millions in clean-up costs
Sites like Hoads Wood have been left with waste piles described as 30 feet deep, covering acres of land.
Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, David Wimble, highlighted the financial burden on local authorities, saying, “At the end of the day, it’s down to KCC and local government to pay for these sites to be cleaned up. It’s the residents’ council tax that covers these costs—millions of pounds that wouldn’t need to be spent if the waste had been disposed of properly.”
Councillor David Wimble also speaks of the environmental toll, stating, “Thousands of tonnes of waste at sites like Hoads Wood are harming wildlife and habitats right here in Kent."
Public responsibility and warning signs
Councillor Wimble stressed the importance of public vigilance in preventing waste crime.
He advised Kent residents to be cautious when hiring waste removal services. “Always check for a legitimate waste disposal license before handing over your rubbish to anyone who claims to be a contractor. Don’t hesitate to verify that their credentials are genuine— they should have a licence with a Kent County Council logo and a number on it.
"It’s your responsibility because you could end up being fined if your waste is illegally dumped.”
Councillor Wimble encouraged residents to use council-approved waste disposal services, noting that paying a small fee directly to the council ensures waste is handled properly.
“Reputable services are safe, easy, and far cheaper than risking fines or becoming an unwitting participant in waste crime" says Mr Wimble.
Broad calls for action and collaboration
PCC Matthew Scott has called on ministers to provide more resources to fight back against organised waste crime, criticizing the national lack of capacity and coordination:
“Ministers must step up and give law enforcement the tools necessary to fight organised waste gangs and ensure agencies work collaboratively to tackle this billion-pound issue,” he said.
Chair of Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee Sarah Hudson echoed similar frustrations, saying, “We need to end the disconnect between individual agencies taking separate action without consulting each other. This lack of joined-up working is made worse by the fact that some organised crime groups can be violent.”
The Environment Agency has pledged robust action to confront those responsible for dumping waste. “We share the public’s anger on waste crime—it’s simply about making money for people who don’t care about spoiling beautiful landscapes. We will seek to recover the costs from offenders,” said an agency spokesperson.
What residents can do
Councillor Wimble and PCC Matthew Scott are encouraging Kent residents to report suspected waste crime and avoid using unverified waste disposal services.
Warning signs include poorly maintained vehicles, unprofessional contractors without protective gear, and illegitimate licensing claims.
Councillor Wimble said:“We see firsthand the damage caused by illegal waste disposal, and it’s heartbreaking to see taxpayers footing the bill for crimes that could have been prevented with proper disposal practices. Kent residents have a role to play in combatting this.”
The Environment Agency is investigating several dumping sites in Kent and has pledged to turn the tide against waste crime.
For more information on how to dispose of waste responsibly and report incidents of illegal dumping, visit Kent County Council’s waste management service.