Watford Borough Council

Duty of Care - What does it mean?

This is a law which says you must take all reasonable steps to keep waste safe.  If you give waste to someone you must make sure that they are authorised to take it.

How should commercial/trade waste be stored and disposed of?

The law says you must control your waste.

• All waste should be kept safely and securely
• Keep it in a suitable container
• Ensure that whoever you give your waste to has the authority to take it
• When waste is transferred, make sure there is also a transfer note to accompany it
• These documents must be retained for two years and be made available to an authorised officer upon request

What steps can I take to comply with my Duty of Care?

• Purchasing suitable bins to store your waste in.  Please note, placing your waste in a public litter bin, household refuse site or with a household refuse collection does not comply
• Storing waste securely and safely - for example in a container in a back yard so that the public, animals or vermin cannot access the refuse
• Set up a contract with a licensed waste disposal company who can provide you with bins, collect your waste and provide you with necessary paperwork
• Inform all staff of how they should dispose of refuse legally - you should do this in writing

How can I arrange a collection of my trade waste?

• We offer a trade waste collection service.  If you would like to set up an account with us please email us with your requirements; company name, address, contact number, size and number of bins required and frequency of collections i.e. once a week.  For our current charges please click on the link at the bottom of the page
• Alternatively, there are many registered waste carriers that can provide you with a collection service.  For more information please see your local Yellow Pages.