In 2021, about 1.34 million kilos of waste was cleared along Flemish regional and motorways, a decrease of 23 percent compared to 2020. This is apparent from a press release from the Agency for Roads and Traffic (AWV). “But despite the decline, the social problem of illegal dumping remains large,” said Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters (Open vld).
“Many people are committed to clearing waste every day. Clearing and processing also costs a lot of money,” says Peeters. “For 2021 alone, we estimate the clean-up and processing costs for waste along our regional and motorways at 3.7 million euros.”
About 50 authorized road authorities are allowed to fine offenders in Flanders. In 2021, a total of 116 PVs were sent, in addition to numerous verbal warnings. In addition to reporting, the AWV is also working on raising awareness, together with partners such as the Public Flemish Waste Company (OVAM).
But most of the illegal dumpings don’t get caught. “Most waste is dumped in areas where there is little social control, such as carpool parking,” the press release said.
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