As of November 2005, all householders in England now have a responsibility to ensure that waste is disposed of in the correct manner. Waste that is not collected by your Local Authority must be handled by a registered waste carrier.

 

When would I need to use a registered waste carrier?

 

The new regulations apply to any individual or organisation that removes items classed as waste from your property. They include the following:

 

• Builders and allied trades
• Landscape gardeners
• Tree fellers
• House cleaners
• Retail establishments
• Scrap metal merchants
• Skip hire companies

 

What happens if I do not use an authorised waste carrier?

 

If material from your property is fly-tipped and cannot be traced back to a registered waste carrier, you face a maximum fine of £5,000. You are ultimately responsible for any waste that is not handled through an authorised waste carrier.

 

How do I check that an individual/organisation is a registered waste carrier?

 

When enquiring about a service, request the waste carrier number and note this information down. The validity of this information can then be checked through the Environment Agency by phoning 08708 506 506 and asking for a Waste Carrier Validation Check.

 

Further information on this can be found on the Environment Agency website (see below).

 

Full details on Waste Duty of Care legislation can be found on the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) website (see below).

 

Does South Staffordshire Council offer a facility to dispose of large domestic items?

 

Residents can dispose of bulky household items and other forms of domestic refuse at the Household Waste Recycling Centre sites located across Staffordshire. Full details including opening hours and locations of these sites can be found by accessing the above link.

 

Following recent changes to legislation, certain items may now be classified as Hazardous Waste and may need to be treated separately. This link contains full information of what constitutes hazardous waste and details how to dispose of it safely.

 

The Council also operate a Large Item Collection service. Please note that charges for this service may apply.

 

Links

 

Environmental Enforcement

 

External Link: Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

External Link: Environment Agency

 

Contacts