Sandwell Council has returned to Forge Lane and Park Lane to remove further illegally dumped waste, only three weeks after a major enforcement and clean-up operation at the site.

Council teams gathered evidence during the latest visit that will support investigations into those responsible for the illegal dumping. The return operation follows a joint effort involving Sandwell Council, Birmingham City Council and waste contractor Serco, which removed more than 17.2 tonnes of waste from the hotspot.

Evidence recovered leads to investigations

During the earlier major operation, officers examined the waste for evidence, which led to a number of individuals being identified as part of ongoing investigations.

Bob Jones, Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement at Sandwell Council, said: "Residents are fed up with seeing their communities treated like a dumping ground and so are we. We have already removed more than 17 tonnes of waste from this hotspot, identified a number of individuals through evidence recovered at the site and launched investigations."

Jones added: "The fact that waste has returned only strengthens our resolve to tackle this problem and hold those responsible to account. Sandwell is not a dumping ground, and we will continue taking action against those who treat it as one."

Surveillance cameras to be installed

Sandwell Council has announced that additional surveillance cameras will be installed at the fly-tipping hotspot to catch perpetrators.

Residents urged to use licensed waste carriers

Council officers stress that tackling fly-tipping involves more than clearing rubbish. Evidence recovered from waste can identify both those responsible for dumping it and anyone who may have failed in their duty of care when arranging for waste removal.

Residents are being reminded to check that anyone removing waste on their behalf is properly authorised and holds a valid waste carrier licence. Using an unlicensed operator can contribute to fly-tipping and may result in waste being dumped illegally.

Forge Mill Lane continues to be a priority hotspot for enforcement activity due to its location on the boundary between Sandwell and Birmingham. Fly-tipping remains a significant issue nationally, with local authorities in England dealing with 1.26 million incidents in 2024/25.

Residents can report fly-tipping in Sandwell using the council's online reporting form or by calling 0121 569 7474.