Residents should be aware that under legislation that came into force in late 2005, they have a 'Duty of Care' to ensure that any rubbish not collected from them as part of a Council service, must be collected by a business licensed to carry waste.  Anyone who takes waste away from your home (or business) has to be a registered waste carrier.

Home improvements and building works on your house or garden:

If you are employing a tradesman to work on your home, it is your responsibility to make sure that they (or the skip company) are Registered Waste Carriers.  You should ask to see their Enviroment Agency licence.

Those trades and services that may need to be registered as waste carriers include builders, carpet fitters, kitchen fitters, gardeners, electricians, plumbers and tree surgeons.

If you have any doubt, call the Enviroment Agency on 08708 506 506 for an instant Waste Carrier Check. Or check for registered carriers in your area on the website (online register of waste carriers).

If your rubbish is found fly-tipped and traced back to you, you will be held responsible. You could face a fine of up to £5,000.

For more information about fly-tipping and action to prevent it, please look at the fly-tipping page.