Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In September 2025, Brussels cleaners found 3 m³ of illegal, hazardous waste on Fontainasplein. Andreas De Kerpel said fines start at €3,500; authorities traced culprits, stressing strict enforcement.
As VRT News reported, street cleaners in Brussels discovered a large pile of illegally dumped waste on Fontainasplein. The debris covered about 3 cubic meters and included old freezers and refrigerators, wooden shelves, plastic containers, and hazardous items such as gas cylinders and glass bottles. Andreas De Kerpel, spokesperson for Brussels Alderman for Public Cleanliness Ben Abdelmoumen Anas (PS), said the discovery was serious.
What caused the 3 m³ hazardous waste dumping at Brussels Fontainasplein?
Authorities acted quickly, sending an investigation team to examine the site and collect evidence. The team reviewed documents found in the waste and spoke with residents. Their work allowed them to identify the addresses of those responsible for dumping the materials.
The people responsible for the illegal dumping on Fontainasplein face fines starting at €3,500. Andreas De Kerpel, spokesperson for Brussels Alderman for Public Cleanliness Ben Abdelmoumen Anas (PS), explained that Brussels has strict regulations on waste disposal.
“The amount has been increased here due to the hazardous waste that was also dumped there,”
he explains.
Authorities stressed that the city is not only focused on removing dumped waste but also on tracking down those responsible.
“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) said.
Illegal dumping, also known as “fly-tipping”, with a long history, has been a persistent problem in Brussels. In 2019, the city began stricter enforcement and awareness campaigns against a problem that has become an increasing challenge.
By 2020, mobile “Recyparks” were introduced to offer residents convenient disposal options for bulky items. In 2022, Brussels recorded over 4,500 fines for illegal dumping. Enforcement intensified in 2023–2024, with the city issuing more than 4,800 fines totalling over €500,000.
