Every year, over a million fly-tipping incidents blight our streets, parks and local spaces, costing tax-payers millions of pounds that could be better spent on vital public services like schools, libraries, parks and social care.

A huge number of these waste crimes are committed by rogue ‘white van’ operators, who lure people in with cheap deals for rubbish removal on social media, only to take their money and dump their stuff on a nearby street or lay-by. So, what might seem like a bargain, is in fact a #RubbishDeal.

That’s why we're supporting Fight Fly-tipping Fortnight – a national campaign to urge householders to check who you pay to take your rubbish away. If you don’t, you are inadvertently supporting criminal networks and could be liable for a Fixed Penalty Notice yourself.

Protect yourself. Protect your community. Protect your local environment.

Whenever you’re arranging for rubbish to be collected, take three simple steps to avoid inviting a criminal into your home.

1. Ask for a waste carrier registration number

2. Check it on the Environment Agency’s public register or call 0300 065 3000

3. Check you’ll get a receipt

Be wary of cheap social media adverts and anyone who won’t provide a licence or a receipt. If an operator will only take cash, this should be a red flag. Always ask for a licence, check it on the register and check you’ll get a receipt. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.