Your rubbish, your responsibility - residents reminded of their duty of care

The SCRAP fly-tipping campaign, being run by Cotswold District Council, is reminding homeowners and business owners of their legal duty of care to ensure they’re only handing waste over to properly licensed contractors.  

Rogue traders are offering to take rubbish and unwanted items away for residents, only to fly-tip that waste, often in countryside spots. They typically offer this service via social media or by door-to-door advertising. 

Fixed penalty notices of £600 have recently been issued to several householders in the district who failed to ensure their waste was disposed of responsibly. In each case, fly-tipped waste was traced back to a resident who had handed it over to a contractor without checking they held the appropriate waste carrier licence.  

Before parting with their money or their waste, the council is urging residents to be vigilant and confirm that anyone offering the service has an ‘upper tier waste carrier licence’.  

Kev Lea, the council’s Enviro-Crimes Programmes Officer, explained that all householders and businesses had a legal responsibility to ensure their waste was handed over only to registered and authorised waste carriers. He warned that people were still responsible for their waste – even if they paid someone else to remove it. 

Mr Lea said: “If waste is found fly-tipped and cannot be traced back to a legitimate disposal route, you – the householder – can be fined. 

"We know that some residents are being caught out by unlicensed operators offering low-cost waste removal services on social media or door-to-door. 

"These deals may seem attractive but could end up costing hundreds of pounds in fines if the waste is dumped illegally. If someone is removing your waste, please check they have an upper tier waste carrier licence.” 

Cllr Andrea Pellegram, Cabinet Member for Environment and Regulatory Services, said: “Everyone has a duty of care when it comes to waste disposal, and it’s vital that residents take that responsibility seriously.  

“Fly-tipping is not just illegal – it’s dangerous and a blight on our countryside, our streets, and our environment. By carrying out simple checks before handing over your waste, you help protect your community and avoid a costly fine.” 

A contractor must have a waste carrier's licence reference beginning with CBDU and ending with 1 to 6 numbers. Legitimate and responsible contractors should be happy to provide this reference in their advert or upon request. 

Know the difference: Upper vs Lower Tier Waste Carrier Licences 

Lower Tier Licence: Only covers the transportation of your own business waste. Not sufficient for those collecting waste from others. 

Upper Tier Licence: Legally required for any individual or business transporting other people's waste, such as skip companies, "man and van" services, or clearance firms. 

You can find out more about the differences and search for a licensed waste carrier here. 

Residents should always ask to see an upper tier waste carrier licence and note the following details before handing over rubbish: 

• Business name and address 

• Telephone number 

• Vehicle registration 

• Waste carrier licence number
• Where the waste will be taken 

If a rogue trader you hired fly-tips your waste and you didn’t do the proper checks, you’re still liable. Fixed penalty notices of up to £600 can be issued by the council if you fail to fulfil your duty of care. 

Visit cotswold.gov.uk/flytipping for more information on your responsibilities and how to report fly-tipping.