Everyone has a legal responsibility to take steps to ensure their waste is properly disposed of by an authorised person. This falls under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Section 34. A breach of the duty of care could lead to an unlimited fine in the Magistrates or Crown Court if convicted.
Householders
Householders are responsible for:
- Asking the waste carrier to provide you with their full address and telephone number.
- Asking to see their waste carrier licence issued by the Environment Agency.
Most household waste can be taken to any household waste recycling centre by car. Some waste materials are restricted.
Restricted materials – more information.
Please note that household waste is still chargeable if brought to the site in a vehicle that is not a car (such as a van or pick-up). It will be classed as commercial waste.
Businesses
Businesses must:
- Ensure you complete and keep (for two years) Waste Transfer Notes relating to all waste that comes from your business. Failure to produce Waste Transfer Notes when asked by the council or the Environment Agency is an offence. Fixed penalty fines of £300 can be issued by the Environment Agency.
- Some organisations will complete Waste Transfer Notes for your business waste when collected. For example, waste collected by your local council, or through the trade waste scheme at household waste recycling centres.
Commercial waste disposal and fees.
Licensed waste carriers
Proper disposal of waste must be completed by a licenced waste carrier. You are responsible for:
- Asking the person taking the waste where it will be going and to see their waste carriers licence. If they don’t have one, don’t use them.
- Checking they have a licence. To do this you can contact the Environment Agency on 0878 506 506 and ask for a free instant waste carrier validation check. Search the register of licenced waste carriers
- Keeping a record of any paperwork they give you. This includes: their name, the dates you used them, their telephone number and registration number. If they do fly tip your waste you will be able to pass their details to your local council.