Advice if you're paying someone to take your rubbish away
You have a duty of care to ensure that your waste is disposed of correctly. If your waste is fly-tipped by a waste disposal service you have hired, you could face a fine.
Your waste is your responsibility
If you pay someone to dispose of your waste, you must ensure that it is being disposed of correctly.
Advertisements are regularly seen on social media or in local newspapers, offering waste disposal services, often with too good to be true prices. Whilst some waste disposal businesses are legitimate, others are not. They charge residents to dispose of waste but then fly-tip it across Kent.
We are working with other local Kent councils to catch and prosecute fly-tippers, where if caught they can face an unlimited fine or a prison sentence.
Remember it is your responsibility to use a legal waste disposal service.
Protect yourself
Follow these steps to protect yourself from rogue waste collectors and traders:
- ask for their waste carrier registration number and check their legitimacy online by visiting the Environment Agency website
- ask where they dispose of their waste
- request a receipt or an invoice
- keep a note of all the information you receive from the waste collector or tradespeople.
If you are a business that regularly transports or disposes of waste, apply online for your licence via the Environment Agency’s website.
Report it
If they're not registered don't use them and inform Trading Standards of the rogue trader immediately by calling 0808 223 1133.
Fly-tipping is dealt with by your local borough or district council. If you find fly-tipping, report it to them:
Bulky waste collection
Your local borough or district council will dispose of your waste responsibly for a small charge.
Contact your local council for more information.