As a tradesperson, managing waste responsibly isn’t just about keeping your site tidy – it’s about doing the right thing for your business, your clients and the environment. Hiring a licensed waste dealer means your waste is disposed of legally and ethically, helping you avoid hefty fines, reputational damage and even legal action.
Avoid fines and fly-tipping
Hiring a licensed waste carrier isn’t just best practice; it’s the law. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, you have a duty of care to ensure your waste is handled correctly, from the moment it leaves your site to its final disposal. Using an unlicensed carrier could result in fly-tipping, with your business facing prosecution, fines of up to £50,000 or even imprisonment if your waste is found dumped illegally. Don’t take the risk. Choose a licensed waster carrier. It’s the right thing to do.
How a licensed waste carrier protects your business (and the planet)
- Legal compliance
Avoid penalties by ensuring your waste is handled according to government regulations. - Environmental responsibility
Proper waste disposal means less pollution and harm to local communities. - Reputation protection
Clients and contractors want to work with responsible businesses that follow ethical waste management practices. - Paper trail for proof
A licensed carrier will provide a waste transfer note, proving your waste was disposed of legally and responsibly.
Red flags: how to spot an unlicensed waste carrier
Not all waste carriers operate legally, and hiring the wrong one can put your business at risk. Here’s a few warning signs to look out for:
- No waste carrier licence number
Every legitimate waste carrier in the UK is registered with the Environment Agency. If they can’t provide a licence number, that’s a red flag. - Suspiciously cheap quotes
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Illegal operators cut costs by dumping waste instead of properly processing it, which then becomes your legal responsibility. - No paperwork
A legitimate carrier always provides waste transfer notes and receipts. If they refuse or ‘forget’, walk away. - Cash-only deals
Licensed carriers operate above board. Avoid those who only accept cash and refuse traceable payments.
How to verify a waste carrier’s licence
Before hiring a waste carrier, check their credentials by following these steps:
- Ask for their waste carrier licence number
A legitimate business will have this and should provide it willingly (ours are CBDU275176 & CBDU41847). - Verify with the Environment Agency
Check their registration on the Environment Agency’s public register. It could save you a lot of hassle. - Request a waste transfer note
This legally required document ensures the carrier is disposing of your waste properly. - Check reviews and research their reputation
Look them up online – read reviews, browse their website and make sure they’re a reputable operator. If they have no reviews, bad reviews or no online footprint at all, that’s a red flag.
Protect your business – find an approved waste carrier
Using an unlicensed waste haulier is a risk you can’t afford. Avoid legal trouble, hefty fines and reputational damage by ensuring your waste is handled by a fully licensed waste carrier.
Contact us today to ensure your waste is managed legally, ethically and efficiently. We’ll keep your business compliant and the environment protected!