Waste management

The Banish Rubbish campaign focuses on the effect litter and fly-tipping have on the community. The results are unsightly, anti-social and not only detract from the image of an area but also mean a large cleaning bill. This could be avoided if the people who drop litter use the bins provided or dispose of rubbish properly. The council undertakes partnership working with stakeholders who share a common interest in the aims and objectives of Banish Rubbish. Some recent examples are listed below.

• Throughout the year community clean-ups are organised to remove litter, fly-tipping, graffiti and generally improve an area. If you are part of a residential or community group or would just like to improve the area in which you live and would like support from the council, please use the contact details at the foot of this page.
• The campaign and the Medway Swale Estuary Partnership organise an annual River Rubbish Round-up. The council provides cleaning equipment and disposes of all the rubbish collected during the event.
• Eco-schools have been established in Medway to provide a co-ordinated approach to sustainability. Pupils who are apart of this international scheme can find out how people are addressing similar issues all over the world.
• The council's waste contractor, Veolia, provides support to promotional campaigns, creating Banish Rubbish materials and supporting educational events.
• The Community Safety Partnership addresses environmental issues as a part of the Community Safety Plan and supports the work of Banish Rubbish as a part of the partnership's commitment to building safer communities.

Banish Rubbish and Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS)

In 2007/08 KFRS (www.kent.fire-uk.org) attended 530 rubbish fires in Medway (21.1 per 10,000 population). Most rubbish fires are in urban areas and pose a serious risk to health and safety. In rural areas, they are bad for the environment and can lead to vast fires spreading rapidly across dry grass and woodland. Fly-tipping can also be an obstacle to fire fighters trying to get to properties, as some alleyways and points of access are blocked with items that have been dumped.

There is no excuse for fly-tipping in Medway, as the bulky waste collection service exists to make it easy for householders to dispose of large items properly.

Member businesses of the council's Fair Trader Scheme have trade waste agreements. If you are a resident or operate a business, please contact the council using the details below for advice and guidance on disposing of waste legally and find out more about environmental enforcement.

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