All sites of a business must have a Controlled Waste Transfer Notice also known as a Duty of Care. This document proves that your business disposes of its waste legally.
If your waste service provider has not given you a Duty of Care Waste Transfer Note, your business might not be properly registered. If your waste is then dumped or disposed of illegally, you could be held responsible.
You can check if your waste carrier is registered by using the Environment Agency’s public register.
Our Environmental Enforcement Team regularly checks businesses across the city to ensure they have valid Duty of Care Waste Transfer Notes. If you don’t have a legal waste disposal method, you could face a fine, prosecution, or even a criminal record.
Avoiding fines (Fixed Penalty Notices)
You may receive a fine if you don’t follow the rules for waste disposal. This applies whether your waste is on public or private land.
To avoid a fine, make sure you:
- Label bins with your business name
- Keep bins and sacks secure and safe
- Place waste as close to your business as possible
- Take a photo with a date and time stamp when putting waste out for collection
- Use bins or sacks – never leave waste loose
If you use bins to dispose of your waste
- Do not allow waste to spill out of your bin or sacks
- Make sure your bin has a working lid that is always fully closed
- Use a padlock to keep your bin secure
Bins will not be collected if they are contaminated, and you will be charged for removal.
If you use sacks to dispose of your waste
- Avoid placing waste where it could block entrances or exits
- Tie sacks securely and place them at the correct collection point
- Use the correct colour sack for your type of waste
If you require and are eligible to purchase sacks these can be ordered through our online form, Please note certain restrictions apply.
Examples of Non-Compliance
- Bags left on or around bins - all waste must be placed securely inside the bin or in the correct sack at the designated collection point.
- Bin lids partially or fully open - do not leave lids partially or fully open, as this can lead to waste spilling out and may result in a fine.
- Excessive overflow - all waste must be fully contained to avoid littering and potential enforcement action.
- Loose waste - all waste must be placed in bins or sacks to ensure it is contained and collected properly.