main content Householders' duty of care

Anyone producing waste, including householders, is legally responsible for ensuring it is disposed of without endangering health or harming the environment. This applies to any type of waste that is unsuitable for disposal in your dustbin and unable to be taken as part of the weekly household waste collections.

The Waste Regulations 2005 make householders legally responsible for ensuring their household rubbish is only passed on to an authorised person for disposal, or to a person for authorised transport purposes. More information about the duty of care can be found on the Defra website. The legislation is designed to help reduce the amount of dumped rubbish or fly tipping.  

You can also report dumped rubbish on-line.

How does the 'duty of care' apply to householders?

Householders must take reasonable measures to make sure household waste produced on their property is only passed on to an authorised person for disposal. This ensures rubbish will be disposed of legally and safely and not fly tipped in a quiet street or country footpath.

What happens if I pass my household waste on to an unauthorised person?

If the unauthorised person fly tips your waste and the rubbish is traced back to your household, you could be fined up to £5000 for the offence.

How can I make sure the person taking away my rubbish is authorised?

Use only registered waste carriers who are licensed with the Environment Agency. Check they are registered on line by visiting the Environment Agency website.

How do I find a registered waste carrier?

The Environment Agency’s website gives details of all registered waste carriers - use the search facility provided to find one locally.

Can I dispose of my own bulky waste?

Yes - many organisations will collect bulky waste from you, and we have details of organisations that accept donations. Householders can also take bulky waste to one of the Reuse and Recycling Centres at Waldo Road, Bromley or Churchfields Road, Beckenham for disposal - free of charge. If you are unable to transport your waste to one of these sites, we will collect and dispose of large items for you for a fee.

Contacts

Telephone: 020 8313 4621
e-mail: street.services@bromley.gov.uk

Address: Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley, BR1 3UH
Office hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm