Hiring a private contractor

Private contractor hire

If you are hiring a private contractor to remove household, garden, or construction waste from your property remember to:

  • Check the individual or company being hired is registered with the Environment Agency and has a valid ‘Upper Tier’ Waste Carriers Licence
  • You can check using either their registration number, business name, or postcode, or call the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506.
  • Do research to find out if they are a genuine and reputable company or individual
  • Check where they are proposing to take your waste
  • Record the registration number of any vehicle removing waste from your home
  • Pay by cheque, card or bank transfer as payments can be traced if the waste is fly tipped. If they insist on cash refuse their service
  • Obtain a waste transfer note and a receipt for their service and keep it as proof  

Failure to do so could lead to a £600 fine if your waste is discovered fly-tipped and you cannot provide evidence of who you gave it to for removal or neglected to check if they had a valid Waste Carriers Licence.

The council offers a Bulky Waste Collection Service entitling residents to a free collection every 12 months (maximum of 3 items).