Man detained after dumping bathroom renovation waste in Moerenburg near A65

A 40-year-old man from Drunen has been fined and could be required to pay cleanup costs after police said he illegally dumped bathroom renovation waste—including a toilet, sink, tiles, and insulation materials—in the Moerenburg nature area near Berkel-Enschot and Tilburg along the A65 highway. Police said the man was detained and added on X: “He is going to pay, at least.”

The dumping was discovered on Monday in the Moerenburg nature area. Officers immediately opened an investigation to identify who was responsible after large amounts of construction waste were found scattered across the site.

Investigators traced the waste through a rental contract linked to a home where a bathroom had recently been renovated. Police said the homeowner had hired what was believed to be a certified company to remove the waste. Authorities later identified that company as being operated by the 40-year-old suspect from Drunen, who is now suspected of dumping the material in the protected area.

Among the items abandoned in the nature area were tiles, roller blinds, insulation material, recessed spotlights, a sink, a toilet, and several window frames. The debris was spread in both large and small piles. Cigarette butts and coffee cups were also found among the waste.

The Moerenburg nature area has been managed by Van Helvoirt Groenprojecten since 2024. Director Mart Hoppenbrouwers, who lives in the area, said illegal dumping has become increasingly common there, with reports now coming in about once a week.