Illegal Dumping in Bertembos Marks Third Case in Kortenberg

Kortenberg (Eurotoday) – A hiker discovered illegal dumping in the forest near Bertembos, Kortenberg, Belgium, alarming local residents. Council member Hans Vanhoof condemned it as criminal. The police have removed the waste. Mayor Thienpont noted that this marks the third cannabis-related dumping incident in Kortenberg in 2025.

While hiking from Meerbeek to Bertembos in Kortenberg, located in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, a hiker came across an illegal dumping site. This discovery caused frustration among locals, as the area is known for its natural beauty. Hans Vanhoof, a local official, emphasized that while most community members respect the environment, some individuals continue to engage in illegal dumping. He described this behavior as harmful and destructive to the region’s landscape. Vanhoof reported the incident to the authorities, prompting a response from law enforcement and local officials.

Unfortunately, there is nothing that can stop the criminal behaviour of these people. They treat our forests like an industrial dump,

stated Hans Vanhoof.

Is illegal dumping in Kortenberg connected to cannabis farms?

The police arrived at the scene to investigate but found no immediate clues about the perpetrators. They collected the waste and transported it to a municipal facility, where they will attempt to trace its origin.

Vanhoof expressed his appreciation for the swift police response but stressed the need for increased vigilance to prevent future incidents. David Haelterman, the local official responsible for waste management, affirmed ongoing efforts to curb illegal dumping and to identify those responsible.

David Haelterman (UnieK) commented:

At first glance, there are no traces of the perpetrators. The waste has been cleaned up and taken to the municipal warehouse for further investigation.

This incident marks the third occurrence this year of waste from illegal blank”>cannabis farms being found in Kortenberg. Mayor Thienpont reiterated that such farms are prohibited, as is illegal dumping. She assured residents that authorities remain committed to tackling both issues.

The mayor acknowledged the difficulty of catching those responsible for illegal dumping but emphasized the town’s determination to combat the problem. Despite these recurring incidents, local authorities refuse to give up their efforts to prevent environmental crimes.

Mayor Thienpont personally inspected the waste, confirming its link to illegal cannabis farms. While expressing concern, she reassured the public that there was no immediate danger. She noted that the waste might not necessarily originate from cannabis farms within Kortenberg. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the source, and the town remains committed to taking action against illegal activities.