We met the London Borough of Waltham Forest’s (LBWF) ‘Neighbourhoods North‘ and ‘Waste Contract Compliance’ department managers. This meeting was to unpick problems with the reporting of fly-tipping, especially on the Folly Lane footpath. We also met the Community Engagement Officer for the waste contractor, Urbaser.
Here is our current understanding of the situation:
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Report Fly-Tipping
Items must be reported for removal.
➡️ Reporting is important to demonstrate the number of incidents occurring in this area and the number of residents concerned by it. This draws council attention and resources to the area.
Bookmark this link on your phone for when out and about. Or search for ‘LBWF report flytipping’ on your browser.
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How to Report Fly-tipping
Report fly-tipping on the LBWF website, using this link. You will need to log in or register to do so.
Provide clear instructions on where the item is located. Don’t be vague. Assume the Urbaser contractor does not know the local area. Include a photo or two if you can. ✅
➡️ Keep the email receipt and note the REQ reference number. This might be needed again.
NOTE – Unfortunately, Urbaser are only contracted for ‘streets’ and not for ‘grounds’. This means their crew do NOT go into the bushes, hedgerows or long grass to retrieve items. For these items to be collected, they first need moving onto the street or footpath and reporting from there. When you do this, take care! Use gloves and wear firm footware. Consider how to lift something large or heavy, work with others as needed. Look out for broken glass and other nasties. If it is too heavy (e.g. a motorbike), email recyclingteam@walthamforest.gov.uk and request support. This will be passed to the Neighbourhoods North team.
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What If The Fly-tipping Is Not Collected?
This can happen. ☹️ The Urbaser contractor might not have been able to find the item. If it is located in the grass or bushes they are not permitted to collect it from there (see above).
Unfortunately, the LBWF’s IT system cannot send out any messages other than ‘this is now complete’ but, internally, LBWF can see more information about each REQ.
➡️ If your fly-tipped item is not collected within a few weeks, forward your notification email (with the REQ) to recyclingteam@walthamforest.gov.uk and ask them to follow it up. This draws attention to the issue to LBWF itself.
➡️ If this still does not resolve the incident, there is a problem. Forward the email chain, with the REQ clear and a brief summary of the issue (i.e. fly-tipping not collected and no satisfactory response received from the follow-up communication to the recycling team) to the Higham Hill ward councillors. They know fly-tipping is a big concern in Higham Hill. Cllr Karen assisted our previous meeting with LBWF’s Waste Contract Compliance Manager. The councillors can contact the department managers directly.
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We all need to continue to work together to keep the Folly Lane footpath and surrounding areas free from fly-tipping.
Fly-tipping is a national concern.
Thank you for your time and dedication to the cause.
