This page is a practical hub where you will find handy tips and tools to help you comply with waste regulations.  There are some simple steps to take:
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Duty of Care?

By law, since 1990*, it has been a legal responsibility of ‘‘any commercial activity’’ - whether run from home or its own premises - to manage the waste it produces.

1997 in Northern Ireland

Why was Duty of Care introduced?

If it’s not managed properly, waste can pose a threat to the environment and human health. It is also a valuable resource which can often be reused or recycled. Duty of Care ensures that waste is handled in a responsible way.

What is waste?

Any material or item which you or your business have no further use for and wish to be removed.  It might be capable of repair or re-use, but you are discarding it. 

Materials might include the following:

• Food/kitchen waste – such as cans, cartons and food

• Computer waste – such as computer monitors and other electrical goods

• Hazardous wastes – such as batteries and acid

• Construction waste – such as wood and plasterboard

• Office waste – such as paper and spent toner and printer cartridges

• Production waste – off specification raw materials, scrap metals, packaging

Who does Duty of Care apply to?

It applies to anyone involved in the waste journey.

• The waste producer – the person or company who has produced the waste

• The waste carrier – the company collecting the waste

• The waste manager – the company managing the waste

When does Duty of Care apply?

Your Duty of Care lasts from the moment you produce the waste until you give it to a licensed waste business to deal with. This may be a registered carrier or a waste site with a valid permit. You’re still responsible to check how that business deals with your waste and if you suspect it’s not following the Duty of Care you should report it by calling the environmental regulators hotline 0800 80 70 60 (24-hour service).*

*This number applies in England, Scotland and Wales. For Northern Ireland, call 028 9056 9453.

Does Duty of Care apply across the UK?

Yes, Duty of Care applies throughout the UK. It therefore applies throughout a waste’s journey across boundaries such as Wales to England or England to Scotland for example. Waste carrier ‘registration’ requirements apply across the UK so that a carrier registered in England is also registered to carry waste in Wales or Scotland for example. Permits however do differ, especially between England/Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

What do I need to do if my waste might be hazardous ?

You should determine whether the waste is hazardous or not. There are a few ways you can check this:

• Does it have a description or symbol on the goods?

• Ask the supplier of the goods

• Check the guidance here for England, for Wales, for Scotland and for Northern Ireland.

If your waste is hazardous then it needs to be dealt with by a specialist waste company.

You may also need to register  your premises if you produce or store hazardous waste. If you produce or store hazardous waste in Wales then you will also need to register your premises with National Resources Wales.

If your waste is non-hazardous there are a number of options you must consider before you dispose of waste:

• Can it be re-used or refurbished by someone else?       

Can it be used for a similar purpose by someone else or somewhere else in your organisation or elsewhere?  Could you sell/donate/swap unwanted items? 

• Can it be repaired?

Could you refurbish or repair some items instead of buying new ones?  Search the  internet for local repair services or contact your local council.

• Can it be recycled?

You should wherever possible keep wastes separated, especially waste which can be recycled such as glass, paper, metals or plastics. Never mix hazardous waste with non-hazardous waste as this makes the whole load hazardous.

Is it part of your service provider’s normal recycling materials?   If not, contact them and determine your options.

Useful links:

www.gov.uk

www.wastehierarchy.wrap.org.uk  

www.gov.scot 

www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/wastehierarchy

What if it can’t be re-used or recycled?

Contact a reputable waste management company to discuss treatment and disposal options.

How should I store my waste before it’s collected?

• Make sure it’s stored properly so nothing can escape such as litter, liquids or odour

• Prevent access to it by others, for example in a locked bin

• Keep wastes separated where possible, especially recyclable wastes such as glass, paper, metals and plastics

• Some waste, such as liquids or hazardous wastes, will need to be stored in specialised containers

What wastes need to be kept apart?

• Healthcare/ hygiene wastes - like sanitary waste, nappies and first aid waste

• Dry recyclables - like glass, paper, metals and plastic which should be collected in individual containers where possible

• Confidential waste - keep in secure containers and dispose of in a security-appropriate way (shredding etc.)

• Waste electronics (WEEE) - like phones computers, TVs, sound systems, electronic kids’ toys. Some of these could be hazardous waste.

• Batteries - including portable and non-portable and by construction (Lithium etc.). Many of these are hazardous waste.

Where can I find a company to dispose of my waste?

Look for waste contractors in your area on the internet or telephone directories.

Check that any business you use to deal with your waste is licensed, and keep proof of this – e.g. take a copy of their licence.

What checks should I make on the company that collects my waste?

• Check that they are registered as a ‘carrier of waste’ by visiting the following online registers: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

• Ask to see a copy of their registration certificate and keep proof of this

• Ask for a receipt

• Ask where they are taking your waste

• Keep a note of their name and vehicle registration

• Be wary if the price seems to good to be true

• Report suspicious operators to the environmental regulators or your local authority

What happens if I don’t comply?

If you don’t comply you are breaking the law and could face fines and prosecution. This could affect you if you want to bid for certain contracts and could damage your reputation.

What are the benefits of complying?

It is easy to comply with Duty of Care and could save you money. Following these simple steps will ensure that you comply and will help reduce illegal management of waste, which costs local authorities £50 million a year.

What should I do if I think a waste business has mishandled my waste?

If you suspect a waste businesses is not following the Duty of Care you should report it by calling the environmental regulators hotline 0800 80 70 60 (24-hour service).*

*This number applies in England, Scotland, Wales. For Northern Ireland contact: 028 9056 9453.

How can I find out more?

 Find out more by visiting:

www.gov.uk/managing-your-waste-an-overview/duty-of-care
www.esauk.org
www.ciwm.co.uk

Need to know cards

These Need to Know cards are a handy guide to what you should do with different types of waste. Click the links below to find out more.