Anyone and any business that produces waste must take responsibility for its safe and appropriate disposal. You must be certain that your waste is removed in accordance with the law and by a registered waste carrier. The waste carrier must hold a licence to collect and dispose of the waste - failing to do so is an offence and could result in a costly fine and potential prosecution for both you and the carrier.
The following article will discuss what a waste carrier license is, who requires one and the importance of hiring a registered company to dispose of your waste.
What is a Waste Carrier License?
A Waste Carrier Licence applies to individuals and businesses who transport, dispose, buy or sell waste or even arrange for others to do so on their behalf. These regulations are developed by the Environmental Agency as a way of reducing harm on the environment by ensuring that all businesses are authorised to transport waste and that it is disposed of properly, under the correct regulations.
Once you have registered and been awarded your license, this information will become readily available to the general public on the Environmental Agency’s website. Customers will then be able to check that the licensing is in place prior to using a particular waste management company.
Do I need a Waste Carrier License?
As of January 2014, the law changed for the carriage of waste. The regulations on the carriage of waste means that anyone transporting waste as part of their normal business, whether it's for yourself or on behalf of someone else, has to register for a Waste Carrier Licence. This includes items such as, old carpet, old bathroom units, rubble and plaster, as well as gardeners carrying garden waste and plants.
Reasons why you need to use a registered waste carrier
Reduces harm on the environment
Disposing of waste in an irresponsible manner whilst using a company who aren't registered to remove, transport or dispose of waste, can have a significant effect on the environment; contaminating soil, air and water.
If hazardous materials or substances are buried into the ground, it can have a damaging effect on plants, humans and animals as these can be ingested and inhaled. Water is an excellent solvent; it can contain numerous dissolved chemicals. As a result, while moving through, water picks up pollution along the way. This water can then trickle from small streams to large oceans, which in turn affects humans and sea life. On occasions, paper and plastic are burned at landfill sites, releasing chemicals that can have a dramatic effect on the ozone layer.
By using a registered waste carrier they can ensure that all waste is disposed of in the correct manner, protecting the environment from harmful toxins.
The additional expense
Did you know that a large portion of council tax money goes towards clearing up illegally dumped waste in our towns and cities? The cost of clearance to local authorities in England is more than £10 million per year.
At A3 Waste Management, all of our services are competitively priced and our fleet of low-emission skip lorries means that when you choose to hire a skip from A3 Waste, not only are you helping to save money for local authorities but also doing your bit to help the planet.
Failure to dispose of waste is a crime
In the UK, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 regulates how waste should be managed, what is classed as an offence and what is punishable. The EPA 1990 state that it is an offence to:
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Deposit or knowingly cause or knowingly permit to be deposited (controlled) waste in or on land unless in accordance with the terms of a waste management licence.
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Treat, keep or dispose of controlled waste in land or by means of any mobile plant unless in accordance with the terms of a waste management licence.
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Treat, keep or dispose of controlled waste that could cause environmental pollution or harm human health. (This offence applies even in situations where a waste management licence is not required.)
If convicted the maximum punishment for these offences is 5 years imprisonment and a fine up to £250,000. This information should be paramount when deciding on a waste management company to dispose of your waste.
A professional registered waste carrier service from A3 Waste Management
A3 Waste Management provides a simple skip hire and muck away service for domestic and commercial clients in the towns and villages surrounding Guildford, Woking, Kingston Upon Thames and Leatherhead region.
Our fleet of low-emission lorries means that when you choose to hire A3 Waste, not only are you getting a service at a great price with outstanding service, but you're also doing your bit to help the planet! With so much waste going to landfill, we aim to recycle as much of the waste that we collect in order to do our bit to protect the environment.
If you would like additional information regarding our waste clearance service, or if you have any questions that you would like to ask our team, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly and dedicated team.
