Barking and Dagenham Clears 3.5 Tonnes Waste in Chadwell Heath Day of Action

Key Points

• Barking and Dagenham Council organised its latest Day of Action on Thursday, 22 January 2026, in the Chadwell Heath ward, targeting Whalebone Lane North, Rose Lane, and surrounding roads.
• Over 3.5 tonnes of waste were cleared during the event.
• Council services involved included Street Cleansing, Environmental Enforcement, Caretaking, Trading Standards, Grounds Maintenance, and Parking.
• Several potholes were repaired.
• Grass and bushes were cut back.
• Enforcement action was taken on commercial waste and parking breaches.
• Business compliance checks were conducted by Trading Standards, with action taken where necessary.
• Volunteers participated from Rose Lane Primary School, Marks Gate Community Hub, a local McDonald’s outlet, and ward councillors.
• Councillor Kashif Haroon, Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Climate Change, praised the achievement and thanked staff, volunteers, and Rose Lane Primary School.
• The council plans to hold monthly Days of Action throughout the year to target hotspots and support cleaner, safer neighbourhoods.

Chadwell Heath, Barking and Dagenham (East London Times) January 29, 2026 – Barking and Dagenham Council has cleared over 3.5 tonnes of waste in its latest Day of Action, uniting multiple services and community volunteers to rejuvenate the Chadwell Heath ward. The third such event, held on Thursday, 22 January 2026, focused on Whalebone Lane North, Rose Lane, and nearby roads, addressing fly-tipping, potholes, overgrown vegetation, and enforcement issues. This initiative underscores the council’s ongoing commitment under its CleanerBD campaign to foster cleaner neighbourhoods through collective action.

What Was the Scope of the Latest Day of Action?

The Day of Action brought together a broad spectrum of council services to tackle accumulated local issues comprehensively. Street Cleansing teams removed bulk waste and litter, while Environmental Enforcement officers addressed illegal dumping. Caretaking, Grounds Maintenance, Trading Standards, and Parking services collaborated to repair potholes, cut back grass and bushes, check business compliance, and issue enforcement notices for commercial waste and parking violations.

As detailed in the council’s official release, the event delivered tangible results: over 3.5 tonnes of waste cleared, several potholes filled, and overgrown areas trimmed to improve visibility and aesthetics. Trading Standards carried out compliance checks on local businesses, taking action where standards were not met.

Who Participated in the Cleanup Effort?

Council officers were supported by enthusiastic volunteers from the community, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the initiative. Participants included pupils and staff from Rose Lane Primary School, members of Marks Gate Community Hub, employees from a nearby McDonald’s restaurant, and local ward councillors.

This diverse group played active roles in supporting the council teams, from litter picking to assisting with grounds maintenance. The involvement of schoolchildren and business representatives demonstrated broad community buy-in for the CleanerBD campaign.

What Did Councillor Kashif Haroon Say About the Event?

Councillor Kashif Haroon, Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Climate Change, commended the collective effort in a statement following the action. As reported directly from the council’s announcement, Councillor Haroon stated: “Over three and a half tonnes of waste cleared in one day is a great achievement. Thank you to our staff, volunteers and Rose Lane Primary School for going above and beyond.”

He further emphasised the importance of shared responsibility, adding:

“We all have a part to play in keeping our borough clean, and Days of Action show what’s possible when we work together.”

These remarks, attributed to the official council press release, reflect the leadership’s vision for sustained environmental improvements.

Why Was Chadwell Heath Chosen for This Day of Action?

The selection of Chadwell Heath ward, specifically Whalebone Lane North, Rose Lane, and surrounding roads, aligned with the council’s strategy to target persistent hotspots. These areas had reportedly suffered from ongoing issues such as fly-tipping, potholes, overgrown verges, unauthorised commercial waste disposal, and parking contraventions, which detracted from the neighbourhood’s appeal and safety.

By concentrating resources in one location, the council aimed to deliver immediate, visible transformations. The third Day of Action built on previous successes, demonstrating a proactive approach to environmental enforcement and maintenance.

How Does This Fit into the Broader CleanerBD Campaign?

The CleanerBD initiative represents Barking and Dagenham Council’s long-term drive to unite residents, businesses, and services in creating a cleaner borough. This latest event marks the third in a series, with monthly Days of Action planned throughout 2026 to address various hotspots borough-wide.

The campaign encourages community involvement to tackle a range of issues, from litter and waste to public realm upkeep, fostering safer and more pleasant neighbourhoods. Past events have similarly yielded substantial waste clearances and enforcement outcomes, setting a precedent for ongoing action.

What Results Were Achieved Beyond Waste Clearance?

In addition to the headline figure of over 3.5 tonnes of waste removed, the Day of Action yielded multiple other improvements. Grounds Maintenance teams cut back grass and bushes, enhancing road safety and pedestrian access. Parking services enforced against breaches, issuing necessary notices to deter repeat offences.

Environmental Enforcement took decisive action on commercial waste violations, while Trading Standards’ business checks ensured regulatory compliance, with follow-up measures where deficiencies were identified. These multifaceted interventions addressed both immediate eyesores and underlying compliance problems.

Which Council Services Played Key Roles?

A wide array of council departments coordinated seamlessly for maximum impact. Street Cleansing led the waste removal efforts, handling the bulk of the 3.5 tonnes cleared. Environmental Enforcement focused on illegal dumping and commercial waste infractions.

Caretaking supported general upkeep, Grounds Maintenance managed vegetation, Trading Standards conducted compliance audits, and Parking tackled obstructive vehicles. This inter-service collaboration exemplified efficient resource deployment.

How Can Residents Get Involved in Future Days of Action?

The council actively encourages public participation to amplify these efforts. Residents, schools, community groups, and businesses are invited to join monthly events, contributing through volunteering or reporting local hotspots. Contact details for expressions of interest are available via the council’s website or public realm team.

Councillor Haroon’s statement reinforces this call:

“We all have a part to play in keeping our borough clean.”

Future actions will rotate across wards, providing ongoing opportunities for involvement.

What Are the Plans for Upcoming Days of Action?

Barking and Dagenham Council has committed to monthly Days of Action throughout 2026, systematically targeting identified problem areas. Each event will mirror this model’s multi-service approach, adapting to specific local challenges such as fly-tipping, graffiti, or infrastructure needs.

The goal remains consistent: to deliver cleaner, safer neighbourhoods through partnership. Progress will be shared via council updates, ensuring transparency and motivation for continued community engagement.

Why Do Days of Action Matter for Barking and Dagenham?

These initiatives directly combat environmental degradation, boosting resident pride and property values. By clearing substantial waste volumes and enforcing regulations, they deter future violations and promote a culture of responsibility. The impressive 3.5-tonne clearance in a single day illustrates the potential of unified action.

As Councillor Haroon noted, such events “show what’s possible when we work together,” positioning CleanerBD as a cornerstone of borough-wide renewal. With monthly repetitions, sustained improvements are anticipated across Barking and Dagenham.