Are you disposing of your waste correctly? – don’t get caught out by rogue traders

North East Lincolnshire Council are reminding residents of their Householder Duty of Care and their responsibility to dispose of their waste in a legal manner.

Recently, examples of fly-tipping have suggested that rogue traders have been carrying out building or construction work in the area before disposing of any rubbish improperly.

These people can offer general building work, gardening work, roofing, repairs and maintenance, and driveway resurfacing. Sadly, these people are often not licensed waste carriers which can result in fly-tipping.

“Fly-tipping is a blight on our wonderful natural spaces and the Council have a zero tolerance policy on anyone found guilty of doing so,” said Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities.

He added: “We are all duty bound to help protect the environment and correctly dispose of our waste, no matter the size or nature of it. Rogue traders are known for this behaviour and we strongly oppose these actions in our efforts to make North East Lincolnshire an attractive place to live, work and visit.”

What is fly-tipping?

Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste. In simple terms, it can vary from a single bag of waste upwards to thousands of tonnes of construction and demolition waste.

It can pose a significant threat to people, wildlife, the environment and the local economy. It also undermines legitimate waste businesses where unscrupulous operators undercut those operating within the law.

Fly-tipping involves dumping large quantities of waste or bigger items, while littering is described as dropping smaller items such as wrappers, cans and cigarette butts.

Additionally, it costs the Council tens of thousands of pounds to clear up every year. They actively investigate instances of fly-tipping to find evidence of who dumped the waste and who it originally belonged to and then take legal action.

How can I help?

There are a number of ways you can help prevent fly-tipping:

• Report it – Report fly-tipping online via the Council website by visiting Fly-tipping | NELC
• Registered Waste Carriers – If you are paying someone to take away your waste, you must make sure they are a registered waste carrier. To check if they are, visit Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers- external site 
• Use the Community Recycling Centre (CRC) – If you are disposing of large amounts of waste, don’t forget to use the tip where they can accept a range of materials. To find out more, visit Recycling centres (the tip) | NELC

What is a householder duty of care?

Whether you are a private householder or a business you have a duty in law to ensure that you store and dispose of your waste correctly. If you give your waste to a person that is not a registered waste carrier you may be committing an offence and be held accountable.

While householders are not explicitly required to obtain receipts, it is highly recommended to keep records, such as waste transfer notes or receipts, as proof that the waste was transferred responsibly. 

This documentation can help protect against liability if the waste is fly tipped. Those who are found to have neglected this duty of care can face a fine of up to £400 or a court prosecution.

Advice against rogue traders

Trading Standards advice if you need work carrying out:

• Get a number of quotes from traders known to you, family or friends
• Do not answer the door to traders you do not know or have not asked to visit
• Display a notice to deter cold callers
• People can report cold callers to Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
• Fraudsters also often use social media sites to trick people into parting with their money or personal details. Posts can include investment opportunities, to items and services for sale.

There are many reputable companies in the area, so do your research, and if you arrange for a contractor to come to quote or complete any work; ask to see their ID or credentials when they arrive at your property.

Anyone approached on their doorstep who has concerns or feels threatened should call Humberside Police on 101.

Using various trusted trader schemes and approval bodies like ‘Buy With Confidence’ or  can also be a good way of finding a reputable company.  Additionally, there are trade associations that offer mediation in the event of disputes with businesses, such as the Federation of Master Builders.

Further advice on spotting and avoiding rogue traders is available from the Citizens advice website- external site  or on 08082231133.