Waste Duty of Care

Businesses

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 places all businesses under a Duty of Care in terms of how they store, transfer and dispose of waste.  More information about the Waste Duty of Care can be found here.  Council officers inspect businesses to ensure that they store, transfer and dispose of waste responsibly.  They also stop vehicles that are carrying waste and make checks on the vehicle, the waste and the required documents.  All of this aims to reduce fly-tipping and protect the environment.     

Residents

Residents are placed under a limited Duty of Care.  If a resident disposes of waste, other than through the Council waste and recycling services, they must make checks to ensure that the person they transfer the waste to is a registered waste carrier.  As well as pursuing fly-tippers, environmental health officers regularly trace fly-tipping back to households in Cannock Chase and further afield.  If you give your waste to someone without checking they are a registered waste carrier, you risk officers visiting your house, being questioned, being issued with a fixed penalty notice or even prosecuted.  Check that a waste carrier is registered online or by calling 08708 506 506.

If you are paying someone to dispose of waste, always to remember to follow the SCRAP code...

  • Suspect all waste carriers. Don't let them take your waste until they provide proof of being a registered waste carrier. Note their vehicle registration number.
  • Check that a waste carrier is registered online or by calling 08708 506 506.
  • Refuse any unexpected offers to have your rubbish taken away.
  • Ask how your rubbish will be disposed of - seek evidence of this.
  • Paperwork must be obtained: a proper invoice, waste transfer note or receipt, including a description of the waste being removed and the waste carrier’s contact details.
  • Remember your waste is your responsibility!

Contact Environmental Health

Telephone 01543 462621 or email environmentalhealth@cannockchasedc.gov.uk.

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