Your waste and the law - duty of care

Actions to take when hiring a waste carrier

You should do the following when looking to pay someone to take your waste -

  • keep a record of the person and business you paid to take your waste
  • keep a description of the person you paid
  • take a picture of your waste keep this safe on your mobile in case we contact you
  • make a note of the registration number of the vehicle used to take your waste and keep this safe
  • keep a record of telephone numbers
  • keep safe social media conversations you have had with the person you paid to take your waste
  • always ask for a receipt or invoice if you are a business. Legally you must get a written document, known as a controlled waste transfer note, for any transfers that have taken place for the past 2 years
  • keep a copy of any CCTV from your property showing the persons removing your waste
  • pay by cheque
    • card
    • bank transfer
    • PayPal as this help us to trace payments if your waste is fly-tipped

If they insist on cash, do not use them.

The more information you keep about waste you have had cleared, the better. If illegally dumped waste is traced back to you, we will have a better chance of finding the culprits and tackling those responsible.

Enforcement action will be taken if your waste is found fly-tipped. You will be contacted and if it is discovered you have failed to follow your duty of care. This may result in a fixed penalty or prosecution.

You have an obligation to ensure people are authorised

The legal obligations on you as a waste holder is an important weapon against waste crime.

Illegal waste carriers are more likely to cut corners and offer lower prices. They unfairly undercut legitimate waste businesses who take their environmental responsibilities seriously.

Rogue waste carriers will dispose of your waste illegally. This is to avoid the charges for disposal. This causes a nuisance and pollutes the environment. It can also pose a risk to health and result in law abiding council taxpayers having to fund clean-up costs.

Find out how to report an illegal waste carrier.