New campaign supports Kent residents to dispose of waste responsibly

Date
Topics
Environment
Black and white rubbish bags piled on a pavement against a brick wall, with loose food waste spilling from some bags, next to a yellow bin and a “For Sale” sign; litter is scattered around the kerb.

Kent County Council (KCC), in collaboration with all local councils through the Kent Resource Partnership, has launched a new countywide campaign encouraging residents to ‘check before they chuck’ and take simple, practical steps to keep their communities clean and prevent fly-tipping.

Running throughout May and June, the campaign focuses on empowering residents with clear advice and easy actions they can take when arranging for waste to be removed from their homes.

Everyday items, from household waste and garden debris to furniture and DIY waste, can all be disposed of responsibly. By making informed choices, residents can help protect Kent’s countryside, neighbourhoods and shared spaces.

The campaign highlights three simple steps that make a real difference:

  • Check that anyone taking the waste is registered as a licensed waste carrier
  • Ask where the waste will be taken and request a waste transfer note
  • Note the vehicle registration, as this is essential evidence IF the waste ends up being fly tipped.

These straightforward checks aim to help residents identify rogue waste carriers and give them confidence to reject their offers and avoid their waste being dumped illegally.

Residents are encouraged to remember that they have a duty of care for their waste, even when handing it to someone else. Taking a few simple precautions can help avoid problems and ensure waste is dealt with properly.

Headshot of Jamie Henderson

“This campaign is about making it easier for everyone to take simple steps that protect both themselves and the environment.”

Jamie Henderson Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health

Jamie Henderson, Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health, said: "Kent’s countryside is something we are all proud of, and most people want to keep it that way. Unfortunately, fly-tipping is increasing, often as a result of rogue traders offering to take bulky waste away cheaply, only to dump it illegally.

‘This campaign is about making it easier for everyone to take simple steps that protect both themselves and the environment.

‘By checking who you pass your waste to, asking a few key questions and keeping a record, residents can feel confident they’re doing the right thing. Together, these small actions can have a big impact in keeping Kent clean and green.”

The campaign also signposts residents to a range of responsible disposal options, including recycling centres, local district and borough council bulky waste collections and local charities that can reuse or repurpose unwanted items.

To find out more, visit: kent.gov.uk/flytipping

Find out about the Kent Resource Partnership: Kent Resource Partnership - Kent County Council