The image shows a common issue for Havering Council officers. Leaving clothes and items outside charity shops or textile banks is fly-tipping and is illegal. Offenders may face investigation and fines.

As part of the Where We Live campaign, residents and community groups are being urged to help us tackle fly-tipping.

Fly-tipping is illegal and anti-social behaviour that negatively impacts our environment and community.

It costs valuable resources to investigate and clear, and the Council’s environmental enforcement team works tirelessly to tackle it.

Between July and September 2024 alone, they:

  • received 1,063 fly-tipping reports.
  • carried out 745 investigations into fly-tipping incidents.
  • issued 260 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs).

Items like clothing and bags left outside charity shops or textile banks are considered fly-tipping, even if they are meant for donation.

The Council is cracking down on these offences, and anyone caught fly-tipping could face a fine.

The current FPN for fly-tipping is £400, but this will soon rise to £1,000, and fines for littering are also expected to increase to a maximum of £500.

How to donate responsibly

Make sure your donations are properly received and not left as waste.

  • Clothes Banks: Always place items directly into the banks. If full, take donations to the tip or leave them in a labelled bag with your recycling.
  • Charity Shops: Do not leave donations outside closed shops. Instead, visit during open hours or use designated drop-off points.

Get involved with 'Where We Live'

The Where We Live campaign empowers communities to take ownership of their environment.

By getting involved in community clean-ups, reporting fly-tipping, or simply disposing of waste responsibly, residents can make a big impact.

The campaign also supports initiatives like Love Your Clothes, raising awareness about responsible clothing disposal and sustainability.

Watch the Where We Live campaign video and visit the website for more information on how to report fly-tipping and take part in efforts to improve your local area.

Together, we can work to make Havering cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable for all.

Let’s love Where We Live.

Published: 22 November 2024