What are the responsibilities of the waste producer (Duty of Care)?
Commercial waste is governed by various laws, the most important being the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Traders who breach their Duty of Care when handling their waste may commit an offence under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This could result in a fine of £5000 if convicted in a magistrates court, or an unlimited fine if convicted at a crown court.
Businesses are required by law to keep all documents which relate to the disposal of commercial waste for two years. They are also required to produce copies of current Duty of Care Waste Transfer notes when asked by an authorised officer of Bury Metro Council, to prove that they are disposing of waste in a responsible manner. This is by either declaring it as trade waste at a civic amenity site and paying the relevant disposal fees (governed by the disposal authority) or using a registered waste carrier who will provide a copy of the waste transfer note. Failure to retain these documents and/or present them when asked can attract a fine of up to £5000.
The requirements of Section 34 & 47 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 place a Duty of Care on all producers of commercial waste in that they must ensure all such waste is stored and disposed of in a proper and safe manner. The waste producer is responsible for their waste at all times until it is handed over to a person or organisation authorised to receive it. This in most circumstances involves arranging a contract with a registered waste carrier such as Bury Metropolitan Borough Council. This will ensure the supply of a proper storage container and the legitimate disposal of your trade waste.
Our commercial waste collection service
To help businesses comply with the law, we have a dedicated Commercial Waste Officer to help with all aspects of your business waste. We have provided essential services for the Bury business community over many years. We are committed to providing business ratepayers with a low cost, high quality trade waste collection service and have a range of containers available to suit most needs.
We can provide:
- a regular, reliable service;
- competitive prices;
- modern hygienic containers;
- fixed price contracts; and
- friendly, efficient response to your enquiries.
How to apply
Request a commercial waste collection on-line
Our Commercial Waste Officer will need to visit you to assess your requirements and discuss with you the likely costs.
To discuss your requirements contact us as follows.
The Commercial Waste Officer
Phone: 0161 253 6622
Links to other websites
Netregs, part of the Environment Agency, publish an online Waste Directory aimed at small businesses to help them locate the nearest site to recycle a wide variety of different waste.
