Kent- a clean and beautiful county in which to live work and enjoy.

Kent councils along with other key public sector partners are committed to protecting the Kent environment by preventing environmental crime. Littering, flytipping and other offences can adversely affect the quality of life, tourism and economic prosperity of the county and the quality of life for all in Kent.

Those involved include the 12 district and borough councils, Kent County Council, Environment Agency, Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Crown Prosecution Service and the Highways Agency.

Householder - Protect yourself from rogue waste collectors and traders

If you are employing anyone to take rubbish away from your home - including builders, plumbers and gardening contractors, please follow these simple steps to protect yourself:

1. Ask for their 'waste carrier registration number'  
2. Check the number with the Environment Agency online
   1. Select by 'Search Registers by Licence or Permit Number'  and type in the license number
   2. Select 'waste carriers' in the 'Public Register' pull down menu.

• Alternatively you can call the Environment Agency on 08708 506506.

3. Keep a note of all the information you receive from the waste collector/tradesman
4. If they're not registered don't use them. Inform Consumer Direct on 0845 404 0506 of the rogue trader  immediately by calling 0845 345 0210.

The law states that if you have any of your rubbish removed and it ends up being flytipped, you could be held responsible and fined.  By following the simple steps above, you can protect yourself from this.

Traders and waste collectors - You have a 'duty of care' for your waste

If you are undertaking work for people and taking rubbish away e.g. off cuts, old materials or if you are providing a waste collection / disposal service, then you must be registered with the Environment Agency    Register by calling 03708 506 506.