Trade waste FAQ

Duty of care

What is duty of care?

All businesses, large or small, have a duty of care to ensure their waste is disposed of properly. This duty is imposed by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Sec 33). Briefly the duty is to ensure that the waste does not cause pollution of the environment.

What do I have to do?

You must contain the waste so that it does not blow around and ensure that it is collected by a licensed waste carrier with whom you have a contract. The carrier must give you a “waste transfer note” indicating the nature of the waste, quanity and how it is to be disposed of. The transfer note may be a “season ticket” covering a few months.

Where do I find a carrier?

Look in the Yellow Pages, alternatively contact Dawn Locke at Waste Management on 01922 653755and have a contract with the Council.

I only have a small amount of waste, can I burn it?

Most certainly not! You will pollute the atmosphere breaching your duty of care, cause nuisance to your neighbours thus contravening the Environmental Protection Act and may cause dark smoke contravening Clean Air Acts

I met a man with a lorry who says he’ll move my waste for a few pounds, that’s ok isn’t it?

No. You will breach your duty of care and if he fly tips your waste you will be prosecuted and face a fine up to £20,000.

So, to sum up, ensure your waste is properly contained and not left to blow around of just piled in your yard, employ a licensed waste carrier and keep the waste transfer notes for a couple of years. Do this and you’ll stay within the law and at peace with your neighbours.