The county-wide campaign comes as new figures show more than 23,000 fly-tipping incidents were reported across Kent during 2025/26, with more than 2,200 tonnes of waste illegally dumped. Much of this waste is left on roadsides, in lay-bys and along rural routes, creating hazards for road users, damaging the environment and costing taxpayers money to clear.
Delivered through the Kent Resource Partnership, the initiative brings together Kent County Council and Kent's district and borough councils to help residents dispose of their waste responsibly and avoid rogue operators.
The campaign focuses on helping residents avoid rogue waste collectors who offer to remove unwanted items but then illegally dump them elsewhere. Householders have a legal duty of care for their waste and could face a £600 fixed penalty notice if it is fly-tipped and traced back to them.
As well as highlighting the risks of using unlicensed waste carriers, the campaign also aims to raise awareness of legal and affordable ways to dispose of unwanted items.
At the heart of the campaign is a new short film showing how seemingly legitimate waste collection services can leave householders at risk if their waste is later fly-tipped. The film will be supported by bus advertising, social media content, radio advertising and digital communications across Kent, encouraging residents to "Check Before They Chuck" before paying someone to remove their waste.
Kent residents can use Household Waste Recycling Centres to dispose of most household waste free of charge, while many unwanted items can be reused, donated, repaired or collected through local bulky waste services. The campaign will also address common misconceptions around waste disposal and recycling centre charges.
Residents who need to pay someone to remove waste should:
- Check they hold a valid waste carrier's licence
- Ask for a receipt or written record of the transaction
- Make a note of the vehicle registration number
- Be wary of unusually cheap offers or cash-only arrangements.
“Before handing over your waste, make sure the person collecting it is properly licensed, ask for a receipt and make a note of their vehicle registration.”
Jamie Henderson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Coastal Regeneration, said: "With more than 23,000 fly-tipping incidents reported across Kent last year, it's clear that this remains a significant challenge for communities across the county.
‘Many people don't realise that if they pay someone to take away their waste and it ends up being fly-tipped, they could also face enforcement action if they haven't taken reasonable steps to check who they are using.
‘That's why we're asking residents to remember one simple message: Check Before They Chuck. Before handing over your waste, make sure the person collecting it is properly licensed, ask for a receipt and make a note of their vehicle registration.
‘Working together, we can stop fly-tipping, protect our environment and keep Kent looking its best."
For more information about disposing of waste responsibly and checking a waste carrier's licence, visit kent.gov.uk/flytipping.
