During the Week of Enforcement, Eeklo is once again focusing on tackling litter and illegal dumping. Students from various schools will join community wardens to clean up streets, raising awareness about the impact of waste on their environment. The city is collaborating with partners such as the Public Flemish Waste Company (OVAM) and waste intermunicipal company IVM, who are conducting inspections and deploying mobile illegal dumping cameras. The partnership with IVM for the cameras has been extended until the end of 2031.
In addition to school activities, residents can also play a role through initiatives like the voluntary Mooimakers (Clean Makers) and the annual spring cleaning. Interested individuals can register as a Mooimaker in Eeklo via the platform Give a Day (www.giveaday.eu/nl-be/eeklo) or by calling 09 218 28 15.
While awareness is key, enforcement remains crucial. In 2026, OVAM inspectors conducted ten inspections in Eeklo, resulting in 257 positive checks and 98 recorded violations, 95 of which were for discarding cigarette butts. For comparison, in 2025, there were seven inspections with 132 positive cases and 56 violations (53 for cigarette butts). Offenders face administrative fines ranging from 66 to 350 euros for littering, cigarette butts, or dog waste.
The mobile illegal dumping cameras from IVM, deployed since early 2019, are a significant part of enforcement. They are placed in strategic locations and moved regularly. Since the project's inception, 169 administrative reports have been compiled based on camera footage, which are provided to the police for further identification and processing. The number of recorded incidents shows a downward trend over the years, indicating a deterrent effect.
Eeklo is also investing in prevention and infrastructure. Last year, the city installed 140 new, uniform bins with a smaller opening and an integrated cigarette extinguishing plate. Between 2020 and today, 29 dog waste dispensers have been installed. These new facilities are well-received and contribute to less litter, especially in the city center where a bin is now available every 50 to 60 meters. The bins in the center have also been cleaned weekly since last summer.
The employees of Eeklonet contribute daily to a cleaner city by removing litter, cigarette butts, and illegally dumped waste, as well as cleaning street furniture and removing graffiti. Since last summer, a dedicated team has also been active on Saturdays at strategic locations and for urgent reports. Clear messages on signs and near bins encourage citizens to dispose of waste properly.
The Week of Enforcement highlights the shared responsibility for a clean city. Eeklo continues to focus on a combination of prevention, awareness, adapted infrastructure, cleanup, and enforcement. Reports of litter, illegal dumping, or other public space issues can be submitted via eeklo.be/melding.
