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Environmental Services Newsletter
February 2026
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Increase in fly-tipping
During recent weeks, we've seen an increase in commercial-sized fly-tipping.
Since the New Year, we've had over 300 tonnes of partially treated waste dumped in country lanes around the borough. You may have seen some of these events reported in the local press, online or on TV news programmes.
This is not fly-tipping by a local resident, this is criminal waste activity and it is costing you, the tax payer, thousands of pounds each year to clear away.
Following investigation and with the help of Kent Police, a vehicle has been seized by the Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) Waste Crime Team that has been linked to this illegal activity. Enquiries are continuing, but we are glad to see this vehicle safely off our roads.
Remember that fly-tipping is a criminal offence, and when caught, the perpetrators face a fine and/or imprisonment.
Fly-tipping normally happens at night, so if you see a truck or other large vehicle acting suspiciously late in the evening, please report to the police by calling 101.
If you witness fly-tipping in progress, do not approach, instead report it to the police by calling 999, with as much detail as you are able to provide. Dash cam footage can also be very helpful.
If you find a fly tip do not touch it. There maybe evidence that we can use in tracing the source. Please report the location and details using link below.
Thank you for your assistance in helping to keep Maidstone clean.
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News of recent prosecutions
When dealing with offences of littering, we can issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN).
CCTV captured a resident leaving waste from their vehicle in a layby. The MBC team traced the vehicle, but the driver failed to respond to enquiries, so the case was escalated to court.
The resident was found guilty and the court issued a fine of £220, plus costs and a victim surcharge, bringing the total to £513.00. The perpetrator now has this on their criminal record.
Don't make the same mistake. Take your litter home with you and dispose responsibly.
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In another case, a local resident was identified following investigation of a fly-tip in Duck Pond Lane.
The £500 penalty was issued and has been paid.
Since the start of January 2026, we have issued over £5,500 worth of fines or penalties for littering and fly-tipping
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This month’s data: food caddies and food waste treatment
The amount of separately collected food waste has continued to rise, thanks to your efforts.
December is traditionally the highest month of the year for food waste collection, as confirmed in the graph below, showing monthly food waste tonnage in 2025. The month of December 2025 recorded the highest food tonnage figure at 428 tonnes!
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This graph shows the number of food caddies delivered to residents in Maidstone each month.
During the past year, we have delivered over 7,100 food bins to residents, that's an average of 140 deliveries per week!
Thank you for continuing to use your food bins.
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Your questions, answered!
Can you recycle plastic pill bottles?
YES, plastic pill bottles are fine to recycle. Like all your recycling, please ensure the bottles are empty and placed loose in the recycling bin.
Why do we charge for bulky waste collections?
Maidstone Borough Council has a legal duty to collect domestic waste and, in doing so, it has the right to charge for certain types of waste collection. This includes clinical waste, garden waste and bulky waste. Our bulky waste charges are some of the most competitive across Kent.
Why do we change the collection schedule at Christmas?
There are three Bank Holidays over Christmas and New Year and we cannot collect when the disposal site is closed. In order to ensure that all residents receive a good service, the schedule is amended. This happens every year and the day changes are published on the website and on social media in November.
What is the biggest error people make with their recycling?
There are a few common mistakes people make when recycling at home. These include putting black bags of waste, used nappies, or food into their recycling bin. However, the most common error is leaving recyclable materials tied up inside plastic bags.
Please remember to shake it out! All materials must be loose in the recycling bin. This allows them to be sorted and then recycled into new products.
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Good news!
We've managed to source more caddies and liners.
The food waste caddy package is still available for £9!
The package inlcudes:
23-Litre external caddy
5-Litre internal caddy (assorted colours)
A roll of compostable bags
Fridge magnet with some useful tips
Food bag clip
Service information leaflets
This offer is available to Maidstone residents only, via the website.
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A quick question...
What do you think is the most common contaminant, found in the dry mix recycling bins?
The most common contaminant is ....... food waste!
Please place your food waste in your 23L caddy for separate collection and it will be removed every week. The material is treated locally to generate electricity and make a liquid fertiliser with an environmental benefit.
If you've lost your 23L caddy, please let us know, and we'll replace for free.
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You asked us for more information links, so here are some more! |
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Our quote for February:
"Cutting food waste is a delicious way of saving money, helping to feed the world and protect the planet."
(Tristram Stuart - author and campaigner)
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We are here to help. If you have any questions, or if you have a recycling or waste subject that you would like us to cover, please let us know:
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Thanks for reading our Environmental Services update. If you enjoyed reading this months newsletter, please copy to friends, so they can sign up as well.
Other newsletters from Maidstone Borough Council include:
Climate Change and Biodiversity – everything to do with sustainability
What’s On in Maidstone – for all events
News – to keep up to date
Consultations – share your views
Visit Maidstone – the best places to visit and stay
Business in Maidstone – workshops, events and business support
Planning – updates on recent planning decisions
Maidstone Museum - news, updates and events from Maidstone Museum
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