Fly-Tipping in Stoke: Why Checking Your Waste Carrier Protects You From Fines

Fly-tipping is a growing problem across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, from alleyways and country lanes to car parks and fields. What many people do not realise is that if your rubbish is found dumped, you can be held responsible, even if you paid someone else to take it away. Here is what you need to know to protect yourself.

Your Duty of Care as a Householder

Under UK law, every householder has a legal duty of care to make sure their waste is passed only to someone authorised to carry it. If you hand your rubbish to an unlicensed collector and it ends up fly-tipped, the council can trace it back to you. Householders can receive a fixed penalty notice of hundreds of pounds, and more serious cases can go to court.

The Warning Signs of a Rogue Collector

• They knock on your door or advertise on social media offering cheap, cash-only collections.
• They cannot show you a waste carrier licence or registration number.
• They will not give you a receipt or a written quote.
• Their price seems far too low for the amount of waste.
• There is no business name, address or landline on the van or advert.

How to Check a Waste Carrier

Before booking anyone to remove your rubbish, ask for their waste carrier registration number and check it on the Environment Agency’s public register of waste carriers. It only takes a minute. You should also ask where the waste will be taken and get a receipt that shows the company name, what was collected and the price.

What to Do If You See Fly-Tipping

Do not touch the waste, as it may be hazardous. Make a note of the location, what has been dumped and any vehicle details if you saw it happen, then report it to Stoke-on-Trent City Council or your local council online.

Choose a Licensed, Local Rubbish Removal Company

At Getting Rid Rubbish Removals we are a licensed waste carrier. We take waste to authorised facilities, recycle as much as possible and give you peace of mind that your rubbish will not end up on a roadside. Whether it is a single item or a full house clearance, you can book our rubbish removal service with confidence. You can also read more about the benefits of hiring a professional rubbish removal company.

Book Your Collection

Getting Rid Rubbish Removals covers Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and the wider Staffordshire area. Call 07918 855147 or get in touch online for a free, no-obligation quote.