Brussels – In September 2025, street cleaners in Brussels uncovered 3 cubic meters of illegal hazardous waste on Fontainasplein. The debris included old freezers, refrigerators, wooden shelves, plastic containers, gas cylinders, and glass bottles. Andreas De Kerpel, spokesperson for Brussels Alderman for Public Cleanliness Ben Abdelmoumen Anas (PS), reported that fines for such offenses start at €3,500, with authorities already tracing the culprits and underscoring strict enforcement, reports 24brussels.
The alarming discovery prompted a swift response from authorities, who dispatched an investigation team to collect evidence and analyze documents found within the dumped materials. This investigation included consultations with local residents, which facilitated the identification of the individuals responsible for the illegal disposal.
Those accountable for the illegal dumping face significant fines, with the amount being heightened due to the hazardous nature of the waste involved. De Kerpel emphasized that regulations in Brussels regarding waste management are stringent and must be adhered to.
“The amount has been increased here due to the hazardous waste that was also dumped there,”
Authorities reiterated their commitment to not only removing illegally dumped waste but also holding offenders accountable. This includes a variety of disposal alternatives available to residents, such as free bulky waste collection and the upcoming return of mobile recycling parks at the end of the month.
“We want to make it clear that anyone who litters our beautiful public spaces will also pay the price. There are plenty of alternatives for having your waste removed: there’s free bulky waste collection at home, and at the end of the month, we’ll be returning to all neighbourhoods with our mobile recycling parks. But anyone who still dares to litter public spaces will pay a hefty bill,”
Ben Abdelmoumen Anas (PS) stated. Illegal dumping, or “fly-tipping,” has been a persistent issue in Brussels for many years. In 2019, the city adopted stricter enforcement measures and launched awareness campaigns to combat this growing challenge.
By 2020, mobile “Recyparks” were established to provide residents with convenient disposal options for bulky items. The city recorded over 4,500 fines for illegal dumping in 2022, with enforcement efforts escalating in 2023 and 2024, resulting in more than 4,800 fines totaling over €500,000.