SMARTWATER - The forensic link between flytippers and a criminal conviction
SmartWater is a forensic liquid which can be used to mark any item, including waste. It is almost impossible to remove and can only be seen under ultraviolet (UV) light. SmartWater links property to its owners and criminals to a crime scene.
This forensic marking tool is now available free of charge to householders* by Kent County Council, to mark waste materials that you are seeking to dispose of through tradesmen e.g. builders, plumbers, house clearance and gardening contractors. The unique code within each solution will allow us to trace the waste if flytipped back to the 'waste carrier' that you used. This supports criminal investigations which may lead to a prosecution and protects you.
How will my waste be marked?
KCC Community Wardens or district / borough council enforcement teams will visit you to mark your waste and complete the necessary paperwork with you.
What we need you to do...
The law now states that if you have any of your rubbish removed and it ends up being flytipped, you could be held responsible and fined. Using SmartWater protects you from this, however, to help protect yourself and the environment we still encourage you to follow the simple checks below:
- When dealing with waste removal services or tradesmen where rubbish will be generated e.g. builders, plumbers, house clearance and gardening contractors, always ask for a valid waste carriers licence.
- Always ask for the waste removal services or tradesman's waste carriers registration number, then check this number with the Environment Agency online (www.environment-agency.gov.uk) or by calling 08708 506 506.
- Keep a note of all the information you receive from the waste removal services or tradesman.
- If they're not registered don't use them. Inform Clean Kent of the rogue trader immediately by calling 0845 345 0210.
- Visit the Environment Agency website (www.environment-agency.gov.uk) or Defra (www.defra.gov.uk) for further details.
How will I know if my waste is flytipped?
Officers responding to flytipping incidences are trained in the detection of SmartWater and are actively searching for it as part of their routine procedure. If your SmartWater code is detected within flytipping, we will inform you of action taken against the offender and the outcome of any prosecution.
How do I apply for SmartWater?
If you have arranged for waste to be disposed of by an individual or company (excluding local authority services) and have their details, we would encourage you to contact us for SmartWater marking.
Your waste may range from building rubble, wood, old furniture to hedge prunings - which can all be marked.
