1.4 million kilos of waste cleared from Flanders’ roads

Waste dumping along Flemish highways and regional roads increased again last year. The Agency for Roads and Traffic (AWV) cleared away 1.38 million kg in 2022, a rise of 2.6 per cent compared to 2021. “Cleaning up that waste costs a lot of money,” said Flanders’ minister for mobility and public works, Lydia Peeters (Open VLD).

The highest clear-up cost is in Antwerp province at 1.13 million euros, with second-placed East Flanders a long way behind at 861,046 euros. The two provinces have the most roads and the most inhabitants. AWV officers regularly have to clear items such as sheds, fridges and sofas.

“For 2022, the cost of cleaning up and processing waste along our regional roads and motorways comes to 3.88 million euros,” Peeters said. “Everyone is footing the bill for the antisocial behaviour of a few individuals and that is very regrettable.”

To combat fly-tipping, 12 regional monitors were appointed last year to warn and report offenders or to catch or track them down. “This is very labour-intensive,” says AWV spokesperson Katrien Kiekens. “Our staff are often out before dawn to catch fly-tippers. This is when the chance of being caught is greatest.”

The AWV plans 46 enforcement actions this year, at hotspots including motorway car parks used for carpooling.

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