Duty of Care - Household waste
Since the 21 November 2005 householders are required by law to check that anyone removing waste from their house is authorised to do so. Failure to check is a criminal offence with fines up to £5000.
For those householders looking to use waste carriers other than the council to remove household, garden or construction waste, the Waste Partnership for Buckinghamshire suggests the following checks:
- Consider whether the contractor falls into one of the following categories: all building and allied trades; landscape gardeners, tree fellers and surgeons; house clearers; retail establishments; and scrap metal dealers. These are occupations that will normally need a waste carrier registration.
- Ask the contractor whether they are a registered waste carrier and ask for their waste carrier number. If they are not registered, refuse the service, and advise them that they need to speak with the Environment Agency on 08708 506506.
- If they claim to be registered, telephone the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 and request an instant Waste Carrier Validation Check or check online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/publicregisters
- Always record the registration number of any vehicle removing waste from your home. If the waste is later illegal dumped they should be prosecuted not you.
- Ask to pay by cheque as payments can be traced if the waste is fly-tipped.
For more information please download the leaflet:
If you need help with PDF files please see bucksinfo.net Adobe Acrobat PDF help page.
If you would like a larger leaflet sent to you, please contact Buckinghamshire County Council, 01296 382499 or email illegaldumpingcosts@buckscc.gov.uk.
