Kingdom Local Authority Support, who assist councils across the country in tackling littering and fly tipping, are telling those getting rid of rubbish to check if the people coming to collect have a Waste Transfer Note
UK households are being warned about a ‘little known’ rule that could land them with hefty fines if they don’t check it when getting rid of rubbish.
Kingdom Local Authority Support, who help councils across the country tackle littering and fly tipping, are urging people to ensure those collecting their rubbish have a Waste Transfer Note. This four-section document could save you from trouble if your waste is improperly disposed of.
There have been cases where fraudulent waste disposal teams charge for services, only to illegally dump the rubbish – leaving you potentially liable. Fly tipping is a significant issue in the UK, with local authorities dealing with an astonishing 1.08 million incidents between 2022 and 2023.
John Roberts, chief operating officer of Kingdom LAS, has issued a warning: “In the run up to spring, we often see a lot more waste being dumped, where waste from people’s homes are ending up on a layby or major road side.”
He added: “This can often be the result of false waste collection teams, dubbed ‘a man in a van’, who you paid to collect your rubbish and they end up dumping it somewhere.”
Mr Roberts advised: “The main consideration for households when getting rid of waste is to make sure the person you are contracting to can provide you with a Waste Transfer Notice as this would protect you if your waste is then found fly tipped.
“A Waste Transfer Note will transfer the responsibility of the waste by law to the company or person that has provided the document. That way, you won’t be held liable if the waste isn’t disposed of properly, and companies that can give you a Waste Transfer note are more likely to be reliable.”
The maximum fine for fly-tipping was raised from £400 to £1,000 last year, meaning households could face a hefty bill if they don’t request a Waste Transfer Note, reports Birmingham Live. Other documents to keep include an invoice bill or receipt, proving items have been collected and paid for.
