Choose Wisely
The Importance of Choosing a Licensed Waste Carrier: Your Legal Duty of Care
When disposing of waste, whether as a homeowner or a business, it's crucial to ensure you're using a licensed waste carrier. Failure to do so could result in severe legal and financial consequences. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself and the environment.
1. Always Verify a Waste Carrier's Licence
Before allowing any waste carrier to collect your waste, make sure they hold a valid Waste Carrier's Licence issued by Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales (NRW). If they cannot provide proof of their licence upon collection, do not let them take your waste.
Your waste is YOUR legal responsibility.
2. Keep a Record of Payment for Waste Collection
You need a traceable record to which can provide a traceable record. If your waste is illegally dumped, a digital payment trail can help authorities trace the waste carrier responsible.
3. Keep Records of All Communications
Maintain detailed records of all communications with the waste carrier, including:
Emails
Text messages
WhatsApp messages
Having these records can be crucial if issues arise later.
4. Document the Collection Process
Take precautions to protect yourself by:
Using doorbell cameras or CCTV to record the waste being collected.
Recording the vehicle registration number of the waste carrier's vehicle. Authorities can use this information to trace the current keeper.
5. Obtain a Waste Transfer Note
A Waste Transfer Note is a legal document that must include:
A description of the waste being removed.
The disposal location.
The waste carrier's name, contact details, and Waste Carrier Licence number.
The date of the collection.
Without this document, you could be held liable if your waste is disposed of illegally.
6. Legal Consequences of Using Unlicensed Waste Carriers
Both homeowners and businesses have a legal duty of care under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Failing to comply can lead to:
Criminal record
Unlimited fines
Prosecution costs
Waste removal and land remediation expenses
Victim surcharge payments
For businesses, the court may consider using an unauthorised waste carrier as an attempt to cut costs, which can aggravate sentencing.
7. Enforcement Actions Against Unlicensed Waste Carriers
Authorities conduct regular stop checks in collaboration with South Wales Police to identify and seize vehicles involved in illegal waste transportation. Vehicles seized may be:
Sold or destroyed under a court-granted Disposal Order.
Additionally, enforcement actions can include:
Reporting offenders to partner agencies such as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA).
Applying for Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) to prevent further offences.
Pursuing proceeds of crime under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA), including:
Confiscation of money and goods.
Account freezing orders.
Cash seizures.
Investigation of money laundering.
NRW and local authorities also use drones to capture aerial evidence of illegal waste sites, helping to demonstrate the scale of offences to the courts.
In Conclusion
Protect yourself by ensuring you only use licensed waste carriers, pay digitally, and keep comprehensive records of your waste disposal. Your diligence not only prevents legal trouble but also contributes to a cleaner, safer environment for all.
For more information, visit Natural Resources Wales' official website or contact your local waste management authorities.
Stay compliant. Stay responsible.
It began with an idea
It all begins with an idea.
From Vision to Reality: My Journey in the Skip Business
In March 2024, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life: I bought a skip company. It was a bold move, fuelled by ambition and a vision of running a thriving business that not only served the community but also aligned with my values of hard work, sustainability, and customer service. Fast-forward a few months, and the journey has been anything but what I imagined . . .
What I Envisioned
When I took the leap, I pictured myself steering a smooth-running operation where skips were rented out, waste was managed efficiently, and every customer interaction felt seamless. My vision was to create a brand synonymous with reliability and innovation, offering a service people could depend on while finding new ways to make waste management more environmentally friendly.
I also imagined the freedom of being my own boss. I saw a balanced lifestyle, where I’d spend mornings planning growth strategies and afternoons meeting satisfied customers, all while having time to enjoy life outside of work.
The Reality: The Good, the Hard, and the Surprising
Running the skip business has been an eye-opener. It’s taught me lessons I couldn’t have learned from any book or course. Here’s what I’ve discovered:
It’s Non-Stop Hustle
I underestimated how hands-on this business would be. From coordinating deliveries to solving unexpected hiccups (like a lorry breaking down, tyres having punctures and not being able to source a new one), every day brings new challenges. But I’ve learned to manage the unpredictability and appreciate the problem-solving skills I’ve developed.Customer Relationships Are Key
What I didn’t fully appreciate before was how important personal connections would be. Whether it’s advising a new customer on the right skip size or resolving a complaint, building trust has become the cornerstone of my business.Sustainability Is Hard Work
My dream of making the company greener hasn’t been as straightforward as I’d hoped. There’s a balance between managing costs and investing in eco-friendly solutions. But every small step, like improving recycling rates or reducing landfill contributions, feels like a win.Community Support Is Incredible
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been the support from the local community. From word-of-mouth referrals to repeat customers, it’s clear that people value a service that genuinely cares about their needs.Freedom Looks Different Than I Expected
Oh boy! How wrong was I here! Not being made to go to work by an employer means I get to have sleepless nights about all of the little issues . . . This has got better though, I believe it’s like anything, you have to go through it to get better at it.
Looking Forward
As I reflect on the past months, I see how far the business has come and how much I’ve grown as an entrepreneur. It’s been tougher than I imagined, I know I’ll look back in a year and wonder why I worried so much. My vision is still alive, but it’s evolved, shaped by real-world experience and the day-to-day challenges of running a skip company.
The dream now isn’t just about success; it’s about resilience, growth, and making a difference in the community I serve. I look forward to what’s next, knowing I’m building something that matters.
What about you? Whether you’re a fellow business owner or someone considering a leap of faith, I’d love to hear your stories. Let’s keep building and learning together!