Trade Waste
Private arrangements must be made for the disposal of trade waste via either a suitably licensed facility or, alternatively, a designated and licensed waste disposal contractor. This is a service that will have to be paid for.
The Council’s streetscene contractor SERCO operates a trade waste service for companies throughout the borough. We are able to offer a range of container sizes from individual sacks to 1100 litre wheeled containers and different levels of service. Please note this service is operated independently of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and other suitably licensed contractors can be used.
For more information on SERCO's trade waste services, including charges, preparation of service agreements, duty of care documents and delivery of bins please ring SERCO on 01707 379176.
The Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990 (s34) introduces the concept of ‘Duty of Care’ to commercial, industrial and trade premises. This states that reasonable measures must be taken to prevent the escape of waste from production to disposal. Reasonable steps must be taken to store and present waste appropriately, whether that be in a container, skip, sack etc depending on the type/quantity of waste.
If you are a business, you are responsible for ensuring the waste management company you use is reputable and a registered waste carrier. You can confirm this with the Environment Agency. You also need to maintain records (Waste Transfer Notes) to demonstrate that you have disposed of your waste responsibly. WTNs should accurately describe the waste in character and quantity.
Information on waste disposal sites and private waste companies can be found in telephone directories or on the internet. Trade premises have a duty of care to dispose of their waste responsibly. Please be aware that only legally recognised disposal companies will have a waste carrier's license. It is your responsibility to ensure the legality of the company you use, as you remain liable for your waste if it is disposed of incorrectly . To check whether a company is suitably licensed please contact the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 and request a Waste Carrier Validation Check or check online.
Clinical waste is that which could be hazardous to anyone who comes into contact with it, for example needles or sanitary products. Therefore it has to be dealt with properly and trade premises are responsible for having such waste removed by a recognised clinical waste disposal company. Details can be found in telephone directories or on the internet.
Neither SERCO or Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council provide skip hire or ‘skip bags’ (available from DIY shops). However there are numerous companies who do offer such a service but please ensure the legality of the company you use.
Scrapstores
Please bear in mind that a Children's Scrapstore operates within the borough (based at the Bridge Gate Centre, WGC). The Scrapstore collect materials that can be reused in schools and children's clubs for arts, crafts and science projects. They welcome a wide range of materials. For more information on what they can accept please see the Scrapstore website or ring them on 01707 371719.