A rubbish collection business has opened a £1 million new depot in Kent.

Lili Waste wants to take on established rivals in the county after being a success in Hull, Sheffield, Leeds, Portsmouth and Southampton.

The firm will cover large parts of north Kent from its site at Leys Industrial Park in Paddock Wood.

It also plans to move its head office to Tonbridge in May and, together with the depot, will create around 30 jobs in the county.

The company is launching a Take the Waste Test campaign urging businesses to think about how much of their rubbish could be going to landfill.

It collects dry mixed recycling which can be sent off to plants to be turned into environmentally-friendly fuel.

Managing director and Lili Waste owner Matt Miles said: “A rise in the amount of waste going to landfill, as recyclable waste mixed with general waste, is a real problem that could have serious environmental consequences.

”Trade waste isn’t very glamorous and as long as the bins are emptied each week it’s easy for a business to just let a contract roll without challenging their provider or investigating what the other options are.

“Large waste management companies take advantage of this and charge extra for their services just because they can.

“These costs are especially pertinent for small and medium-sized business who are still operating in a tough economic climate and where such savings go straight to the bottom line.”