#DontTrashAsh #DoTheRightThing
Ash Parish Council is dedicated to enhancing the appearance and quality of life in our Parish. We actively address issues such as littering, dog fouling, and fly-tipping through regular reporting and awareness campaigns designed to encourage positive public behaviour.
We are proud to organise quarterly Community Litter Picks, supported by our incredible volunteer litter pickers, who work tirelessly in all weather conditions to keep our parish clean and inviting. In January and February 2026, volunteers collected over 30 bags of litter from the village. Their efforts make a tangible difference, and we appreciate their commitment.
Litter includes any discarded item that defaces public spaces. It could be small, like a cigarette butt or bus ticket, larger items like boxes, or hazardous waste such as syringes.
Why Does It Matter?
We take immense pride in our environment and are committed to tackling the problems of littering, fly tipping and dog fouling. By working closely with residents and Dover District Council (DDC), we aim to foster a cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable parish for all.
However, official reports of littering and dog fouling in Ash remain relatively low compared to other parts of the district. Here are the figures received by DDC since 2017:
- Dog Fouling: 29 reports (averaging 3.6 per year)
- Littering: 13 reports (averaging 1.6 per year)
- Fly tipping: 147 reports (averaged 16.3 per year)
Legal Consequences
Fly tipping: Fly tipped waste consists of large items of rubbish such as general household waste, larger domestic items including fridges and mattresses, garden refuse, commercial builders’ rubble, clinical waste, and tyres. It can lead to an unlimited fine and up to five years imprisonment.
It is an offence for householders to transfer waste to individuals or companies who are not authorised to collect or transport waste.
As a householder you have a duty of care to make sure that you only transfer waste to someone who is authorised by the Environment Agency to collect or transport waste.
To collect waste from another person an individual or company must hold an upper tier waste carriers’ licence from the Environment Agency.
Dog Fouling: It is an offence not to remove dog faeces left by a dog in your care. Being unaware of the fouling or lacking a suitable bag is not considered a valid excuse. Offenders face a fixed penalty notice, with fines up to £1,000 upon prosecution for persistent violations.
Littering: Dropping litter is illegal and can result in a fixed penalty notice of up to £150. If prosecuted and convicted in court, offenders could face fines as high as £2,500.
How You Can Help
Together, we can keep Ash clean, tidy, and safe for everyone. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Report Issues: Use the Dover District Council online reporting portal to report incidents of littering, fly tipping or dog fouling HERE: If it’s not reported, it can’t be resolved!
- Dispose Responsibly: Take your litter home or use the many public bins available in our Parish.
- Clean Up After Your Dog: Ensure you always carry a bag and dispose of waste properly.
- Check for Licensed Carriers: Ensure that any waste removal services you use are properly licensed to prevent illegal fly-tipping.
- Secure Your Household Waste: Make sure your bins are secured effectively, especially on collection day.
Let’s work together to preserve the beauty of Ash Parish. Join us in the fight against environmental crime – do the right thing #DontTrashAsh.
