Advice if you're paying someone to take your rubbish away
It is your responsibility to get rid of your waste correctly and legally.
If your waste is fly-tipped by a waste disposal service you have hired, you could get a £600 fine — so check before they chuck.
Your waste, your responsibility
If you pay someone to take away your waste (bulky waste, a house or garage clearance, garden waste or scrap metal), make sure they're licensed to remove it legally.
You may see adverts on social media, in local newspapers or you might get a knock at the door (cold calling), offering to get rid of your waste, usually through cash deals. Sometimes these are too good to be true. While many are genuine, some are not. These rogue traders will take your money and fly-tip it at the side of the road or in the Kent countryside. Councils and landowners then have to pay to clean it up.
If they fly-tip your waste, you could get a £600 fine.
Protect yourself against fly-tippers
To stop fly-tipping, check before they chuck. Follow these simple steps to protect yourself:
- Check they have a waste carriers licence on the Environment Agency website.
- Ask for a waste transfer note (so you know where your waste is going).
- Make a note of their vehicle registration number.
If they are not registered as a waste carrier or won't give you a waste transfer note, they might be rogue traders. Don’t hand over your waste or any payment (especially cash).
Find a registered waste carrier on the Environment Agency website.
Check the register of scrap metal dealers on the Environment Agency website.
Report it
Not a registered waste carrier? Don't use them.
Report them to:
- the Environment Agency by calling 0800 807060
- or the charity Crimestoppers (100% anonymously). Report online or call 0800 555111.
To report fly-tipping, contact your local council.
Other ways to get rid of your waste
Online marketplaces
Your waste could be another person's treasure. Try selling or offering your items for free on Freegle, local community groups or online marketplaces.
Book a slot at your local recycling centre
You can ask for assistance with large items and many items can be recycled or reused.
We also accept reasonable quantities of DIY waste free of charge and you can use a van or minibus if it's the only vehicle in your household.
Find your nearest household waste recycling centre and check what they accept.
Charity collection
The following local charities will collect furniture and other household items for free:
Council collection
Your local council can also collect bulky items for a small charge. Request a bulky collection from your local council.