Householders' Duty of Care

Everyone should be aware of the Law regarding their 'Duty of Care' which relates to all waste produced in the home, including garden waste. If you arrange for someone to take away any waste from your home or garden, you are required by Law to ensure that the person or company you are handing the waste to is authorised to take it, transport it and dispose of it safely. For this, they need to be registered as a licensed waste carrier. It is not sufficient to simply pass on any household waste for disposal without asking questions of the person or organisation collecting the waste. If you do not use a licensed waste carrier, you may find that your waste is fly tipped - making you a party to a criminal offence for which you could be prosecuted and fined up to the maximum £50,000. You can check the list of registered waste carriers at: www.environment-agency.gov.uk The Council offers a 'special collection service' (chargeable) for bulky items and a kerbside collection service for garden waste through an annual subscription.

To take advantage of either of these services, or simply for information regarding your Duty of Care responsibilities as a householder, please contact the |Environmental Care Division.