Rubbish complaints and enforcement

The pollution team at Shepway District Council is responsible for the investigation of rubbish complaints where waste is accumulating on private land or is being 'fly-tipped' on land across the district.

The team has powers to deal with rubbish on private land that is a nuisance or giving harbourage to rats and/or mice. Before considering action the pollution team will fully investigate a complaint and determine ownership of the land. Should an accumulation of waste warrant action formal notice can be served on the owner of the property requiring its removal within a specified period. Failure to comply with the notice can result in a fine and/or the Council carrying out the work in default and charging the owner.

As a guideline, the Council can only take action against accumulations of rubbish that:

• Can rot and produce foul odours that are causing a smell nuisance inside neighbouring properties and/or are of such a magnitude they could be considered a risk to health
• Contain quantities of food, etc. likely to attract rats or other vermin
• Are harbouring rodents.

If you wish to register a complaint concerning an accumulation of rubbish on private land you can use the form provided or contact us by post, phone or email.