During the operation, police and City Supervision specifically targeted locations where illegal dumping and other forms of waste nuisance frequently occur. This joint approach, combining prevention, camera surveillance, investigation, enforcement, and rapid cleanup, is repeated monthly with XL actions to increase the chances of detection and reduce waste nuisance.
The necessity of this approach is underscored by the figures: in 2025, approximately 12,200 administrative files related to cleanliness were registered, with 4,242 specifically for illegal dumping. This represents a significant increase from 2,105 files in 2020.
Mayor van Doesburg emphasized that those who leave litter are antisocial and show no respect. He stated that offenders must feel the consequences financially. Alderman for city cleaning Ken Casier added that the city cleaning services are constantly working, but it remains like 'mopping with the tap running' as long as people leave their waste on the street. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with the police and City Supervision to keep Antwerp clean.
The action resulted in the inspection of 525 individuals and 160 vehicles. A total of 133 administrative fines were issued for polluting public roads, including discarding cigarette butts, drink cans, leaving litter and garbage bags, illegal dumping, and public urination. Additionally, the police issued nine reports for drug possession, caught one dealer and one bicycle thief red-handed, and registered 200 traffic violations, including one positive alcohol breath test that led to the immediate revocation of the driver's license for fifteen days.
