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Spring clear-out? Be careful who you trust with your waste

Spring clear-out? Be careful who you trust with your waste

Guildford residents planning a spring clean are being warned they could face fines or prosecution if their household waste ends up fly-tipped; even if they’ve paid someone else to take it away.

With lighter evenings and warmer temperatures around the corner, many households will be planning to clear out garages, gardens and attics or starting DIY projects. Guildford Borough Council is urging residents to make sure anyone they hire to remove rubbish is properly licensed.

Under environmental law, householders have a legal duty of care to ensure their waste is disposed of responsibly. If waste collected from your home is later found dumped illegally, you could be held liable.

Check before you hand over your waste

Anyone transporting waste must be registered as a licensed waste carrier with the Environmental Agency. Before allowing someone to take your waste, you should:

  • Be wary of cold callers or traders offering cheap waste removal deals.
  • Check the Environmental Agency’s public register to confirm the person or company holds a valid waste carrier license.
  • Ask where your waste will be taken and how it will be disposed of.
  • Request a waste transfer note, receipt or invoice, including the carrier’s details and a description of the waste removed.
  • Keep the paperwork as proof you acted responsibly.

Failure to follow these steps could result in you receiving fixed penalty notices or prosecution if the waste is fly-tipped.

Cllr Merel Rehorst-Smith, Lead Councillor for Regulatory Services at Guildford Borough Council, said:

“Fly-tipping is more than just unsightly; it damages our environment, can harm wildlife, attracts pests, it’s costly to remove and takes valuable Council resources away from other vital community services.

“If you are planning a spring clean this year, we understand the temptation to use someone offering a quick and cheap waste disposal service. However, if your waste is dumped illegally, you’ll be the one facing a fine.”

Disposing of waste responsibly

Residents can also:

Report fly-tipping

If you witness fly-tipping or suspect waste crime, you can report it:

By working together, we can keep Guildford a clean, safe and welcoming place for everyone.

More information about how to get rid of rubbish responsibly can be found on the Council’s website.


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​ Press contact: Steven Toplis – e-mail Steven.Toplis@guildford.gov.uk