£1000 Fixed Penalty Notice paid following fly-tip in Ashford Town Centre

A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £1000 that was issued following an investigation into a fly-tip in Ashford Town Centre has recently been paid. 
 
The investigation began after waste was discovered within the Town Centre on Monday, 06 July 2026. Enforcement Officers carried out enquiries that resulted in an FPN of £1000 being issued. The penalty has since been paid. 
 
We would like to remind people to dispose of all their waste lawfully and to report any fly-tipping via the Council website. 
 
"Although frustrating that this incident of fly tipping has occurred, I am pleased the council was able to apply a fixed penalty notice of £1000 in this case,” Cllr Katrina Giles, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Health at Ashford Borough Council, said. “It sends a clear message that we are committed to protecting our environment and keeping our community safe. 
 
“Again, our thanks go out to our hardworking staff and their diligence in combatting fly tipping."

Legal duty of care

Households and also businesses have a legal duty of care when it comes to what happens with their waste. Before using someone to dispose of your rubbish, you must carry out checks to ensure that the waste collectors are registered with the Environmental Agency and carry an authorised license.  
 
Many of the leads that end with offenders being caught come from residents alerting the team to fly-tipping incidents by using the Report It page on the council’s website.

Beware rogue waste carriers

The Ashford team warn that fly-tippers often target households via social media or local advertising, luring customers in with cheap rates to dispose of unwanted furniture, building rubble or garden waste. 
 
But these unlicensed waste carriers often simply dump the waste wherever they think they can get away with it, including in Ashford’s country lanes. 
 
Householders or small businesses found to be using these rogues to dispose of their waste can be prosecuted by the Council, with FPNs of up to £600 for duty of care offences. Residents or businesses knowingly permitting fly-tipping can be fined up to £1000 per offence. Failure to pay may result in court action. 
 
You can check whether someone is licensed to carry waste by calling the Environment Agency on 03708 506506 or visiting their website. 
 
When having someone collect waste from your property or business, you should always receive a written receipt or transfer note – including contact details, description of waste removed and details of where the waste is being taken to.