The High Cost of Cheap Waste Removal: Why You Should Avoid Unlicensed Carriers
When disposing of waste, it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest and quickest option. However, hiring an unlicensed waste carrier can have serious consequences for the environment and your wallet. Illegal waste disposal, including fly-tipping, is a growing issue in the UK, with unregulated companies often cutting corners and dumping waste in unauthorised areas.
Illegal tipping costs taxpayers and businesses over £1 billion each year.
The Dangers of Unlicensed Waste Carriers
Unlicensed waste carriers often operate under the radar, offering low prices to attract customers. However, these seemingly affordable options can have serious consequences.
Environmental Impact
Fly-tipping is a major environmental concern. Dumping waste illegally in rural areas can damage natural habitats, harm wildlife, and contaminate soil and water sources. This pollution poses long-term risks to local ecosystems. Cleaning up these illegal dumps is costly, with local authorities spending millions yearly on waste removal operations.
Legal Responsibility
As the original owner of the waste, you are legally responsible for ensuring its proper disposal. If your waste is found in an illegal dump, you could face heavy fines, even if you paid someone else to take it away. To protect yourself, always ask for proof that your waste carrier is licensed by the Environmental Agency and obtain a waste transfer note to document the handover.
Tips to Ensure You Are Using a Licensed Waste Removal Carrier
Check the waste carrier’s license
You can check a business’s registration on the public register of licensed waste removal carriers, brokers, and dealers HERE.
Ask questions
A legitimate waste carrier will be able to tell you where they’re taking your waste and provide a waste transfer note.
Pay by card
Legitimate waste carriers will accept card payments and provide invoices and receipts.
Avoid unsolicited offers
Unsolicited offers for waste removal are often from unlicensed carriers.
If in doubt, note the vehicle registration
You can record the vehicle registration number to help investigators if waste is illegally dumped.
Report suspected criminal activity
You can report suspected criminal activity to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060 or anonymously through CrimeStoppers
on 0800 555111.
Cheshire Demolition’s Sustainable Waste Management
We understand the importance of responsible waste disposal. With over 99% of the materials we handle being recycled, repurposed, or reused, we ensure that nothing goes to waste. Our commitment to sustainability and licenced waste removal ensures that all waste is processed legally and ethically, without harming the environment.
Whether you’re working on a small renovation or a large demolition project, we have the expertise and resources to assist with safe and sustainable waste removal. Find out more about hiring a Skip or Grab here.
If you have any questions, contact one of our team members on 01625 424433 or use our online form.
A licensed waste removal carrier protects you from legal penalties and contributes to a more sustainable future.
Open Monday–Friday: 8am–5pm, Saturday: 8am / Gates close 1pm.
