Waste carrier licences can be confusing for those who are not familiar with them. However, understanding what your responsibilities are and why you should be using a properly licensed waste carrier for your business waste is crucial. This blog post aims to demystify waste carrier licences, explain who needs to register as a waste carrier and outline the consequences of failing to do so.
Waste Carrier Licences – Who Has to Register?
Anyone who transports someone else’s waste (not just waste contractors) to make money must be registered with the Environment Agency (EA) as a waste carrier. This requirement extends beyond traditional waste management companies. Tradesmen who transport building materials or demolition waste they created themselves must also be registered as a waste carrier by law. The requirement applies regardless of where you are taking the waste—even if it is back to your own premises or directly to a licensed disposal facility.
It does not matter if you are a self-employed sole trader, a partnership, or a limited company; if you transport any form of business-related waste, you need to be registered.
Waste Carrier Licences – What Happens If You Don’t Register?
Failure to register as a licensed waste carrier is illegal and carries significant penalties. If caught transporting waste without proper registration, you will face prosecution. Penalties include hefty fines and the possibility of having the vehicle used for transporting the waste seized by authorities.
The legal ramifications don’t just stop at fines and vehicle seizure; being caught without proper registration can also severely damage your business reputation. Clients and customers may lose trust in your services, leading to a potential loss of business.
Waste Carrier Licences – What Does This Mean for People Who Have Waste to Dispose Of?
For businesses and individuals looking to dispose of their waste responsibly, it’s essential to ensure that any contractor hired for this purpose is properly licensed. Because registration with the EA is relatively straightforward for legitimate businesses, those who operate without proper licensing are very likely to engage in unlawful activities.
Unlicensed operators often resort to fly-tipping—illegally dumping waste on roadsides or other unauthorised areas—which costs taxpayers more than £100 million each year. To avoid contributing to this problem:
- Ask for Their Licence Number: Always ask contractors for their EA-issued licence number.
- Verify Their Credentials: You can verify their licence by calling the Environment Agency at 08708 506506.
- Choose Professional Organisations: Opt for reputable companies like Martlands Waste Management that comply with all legal requirements.
If your chosen contractor cannot provide proof of their licence or if they appear suspiciously cheap compared to others, it’s best not to use them.
Why Should You Use A Properly Licensed Waste Carrier?
Using an unlicensed contractor may seem like an easy way out initially due to lower costs or convenience, but it comes with significant risks:
- Legal Liability: If your unlicensed contractor gets caught fly-tipping or improperly disposing of your business’s waste, you could also face legal repercussions.
- Environmental Impact: Illegally dumped waste harms local ecosystems and communities.
- Reputation Damage: Being associated with illegal activities can tarnish your brand’s image irreparably.
By choosing a properly licensed contractor, you’ll ensure that your business complies with all relevant laws while contributing positively to environmental conservation efforts.
In Short
If you employ someone else’s services for removing your business’s waste:
- It’s your responsibility to ensure they’re licensed.
- If you’re involved in creating building or demolition wastes through your trade:
- You need either be licensed yourself or hire an approved carrier.
Remember always: anyone transporting someone else’s person’s waste must hold valid registration as per law mandates!
Understanding what Waste Carrier Licences are helps protect both our environment & ensures compliance with industry standards!
For more information about ‘Waste Carrier Licences, ‘ contact a member of our team on one of the local numbers below:-
Burscough Skip Hire 01704 779345
Wigan Skip Hire 01942 417456
Skelmersdale Skip Hire 01695 769123
Bamber Bridge Skip Hire 01772 364 399
Chorley Skip Hire 01257 752399
Ormskirk Skip Hire 01704 779345
Leyland Skip Hire 01772 364399
