We all have a 'duty of care'

Under the law, we all have a 'duty of care' to ensure our waste is handled and disposed of correctly. This responsibility applies to all types of business waste and household waste, including garden cuttings, soil, fencing, turf, branches and other green waste.

You should take three simple steps before handing your rubbish or garden waste to anyone else:

• Check that the waste carrier is registered
• Record vehicle details and who collected the waste
• Get a receipt or waste transfer note

Taking these steps only takes minutes but can prevent fly tipping, protect local environments and safeguard you from fines or prosecution.

Be particularly careful with cold callers at your door who offer to remove any waste for cash or waste collection adverts that look 'too good to be true'.

Check a waste carrier's registration certificate

It is your responsibility to check that the carrier has a waste carrier's registration certificate. If they do not have this documentation and the waste is subsequently dumped, you may also be liable for prosecution.

Confirm a trader has the necessary credentials by calling the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 and requesting an instant Waste Carrier Validation Check or

Search for a registered Waste Carrier on the Environment Agency website

Private land

Private land owners have the responsibility for removing waste from their own land, but we can provide advice on how best to do this. Remember that if you allow fly tipping on your property, we can take action against you.

How to dispose of your waste

See our rubbish and recycling pages for information on how to dispose of your waste.