As we are all aware of the increasing energy prices, let me make you aware of the increasing costs to waste disposal in the current environment.
Every April the government increases the cost to waste transfer stations at around 5% which then come down to waste carriers, however this year waste transfer costs increased by a massive 25% across the country. With the added fuel increase, wages and energy it has become very expensive to run a legal business in waste management.
Mattresses, fridge/freezers, tyres and even paint tins now incur a further charge on top of weight as they are classed as either special waste or hazardous waste. We therefore have to take them to special depots where they are dealt with according to new rules on disposal of them, which we are charged for.
We are trying to keep our costs as low as possible for our customers in the hope that things will turn around. But we are finding out that many firms who are advertising on social media websites are giving very unrealistic figures to customers to remove their waste, they then realise they cannot afford to dispose of it properly, this then leads to only one conclusion. IT WILL BE FLY TIPPED
As a customer if you do not go down the proper channels of researching who you are giving your waste to and it ends up fly tipped, you are then liable to be charged a fine as well as who you handed it over to. This can be anything up to £5000.00
Everyone has a legal responsibility or ‘duty of care’ to make sure that all waste from their household or business is disposed of correctly and doesn’t end up being fly-tipped.
Top tips for customers on the correct way for waste disposal:
Be realistic about price
Waste disposal is charged on a weight and volume basis. With further costs incurred for items which need special care when recycling. Add in business costs, the running of a van, staff, profits etc.
Make sure you have checked the following:
- Suspect – beware of rogue waste carriers who dump waste illegally. If in doubt do not let them take your waste
- Check – ask to see their waste carrier’s licence – you can check the details on the public register or by calling 08708 506506. Note down the licence details and the registration number of the vehicle used to take your waste away.
- Refuse unsolicited offers – always carry out your own research and choose who you want to take your waste away.
- Ask questions – ask what is going to happen to your waste, and seek evidence that it is going to be disposed of appropriately. A legitimate, professional waste carrier should not object to being asked reasonable questions.
- Paperwork – make sure you get a proper invoice and receipt for your waste.