If you transport waste of any kind that was picked up and/or created during the course of your work, you need to hold a Waste Carrier's Licence.
If you do not hold a valid Waste Carrier's Licence, your vehicle is at risk of being seized by Dorset Council as part of our waste enforcement action against fly-tipping and the illegal transportation of waste.
Types of waste could include (but are not limited to): -
- rubbish of any kind that you have been paid to transport to another location
- leftover materials from building or demolition work
- green waste from gardening work you have been paid to undertake
- empty packaging from materials used as part of your job
- paper/cardboard from a small office or home business
Enforcement Officers regularly conduct joint operations with Dorset Police to tackle fly-tipping and illegal transportation of waste. If you carry waste (other than your own household waste) as part of your day-to-day work, whether it has been produced in the course of yours or someone else’s business, you must have a Waste Carriers Licence from the Environment Agency.
Unlawful disposal of commercial waste is harmful to the environment and is very expensive for Dorset Council, having to spend public money cleaning up or processing waste instead of investing funds into essential services.
It should also be noted that business waste cannot and has never been accepted at our household recycling centres, as these are funded by the taxpayer and are not for the use of private businesses who have received payment for their work.
The penalties for failing to have a Waste Carriers Licence can be significant and are not worth the risk. Registration can be applied for easily online, or by calling 03708 506506.
We want householders and businesses to ensure they only use licensed waste carriers, as this offers greater assurance that any waste will be properly and legally managed.
Businesses or members of the public can report unregistered waste carriers or illegal waste sites to the Environment Agency in confidence on 0800 80 70 60, anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or directly to us.