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Spring clear-out? Be careful who you trust with your waste

Household waste dumped in a street

Household waste dumped in a street
If you're planning a spring clean, you could face fines or prosecution if your household waste ends up fly-tipped; even if you've paid someone else to take it away.

Lighter evenings and warmer temperatures are around the corner. This means many households will be planning to clear out garages, gardens and attics or starting DIY projects. We're urging residents to make sure anyone they hire to remove rubbish is licensed.

Under environmental law, householders have a legal duty of care to ensure their waste is disposed of responsibly. If waste collected from your home is later found dumped illegally, you could be held liable.

Check before you hand over your waste

Anyone transporting waste must be registered as a licensed waste carrier with the Environmental Agency. Before allowing someone to take your waste, you should:

  • Be wary of cold callers or traders offering cheap waste removal deals.
  • Check the Environmental Agency's public register to confirm the person or company holds a valid waste carrier license.
  • Ask where your waste will be taken and how it will be disposed of.
  • Request a waste transfer note, receipt or invoice, including the carrier's details and a description of the waste removed.
  • Keep the paperwork as proof you acted responsibly.

Failure to follow these steps could result in you receiving fixed penalty notices or prosecution if the waste is fly-tipped.

Cllr Merel Rehorst-Smith, Lead Councillor for Regulatory Services at Guildford Borough Council, said:

"Fly-tipping is more than just unsightly; it damages our environment, can harm wildlife, attracts pests, it's costly to remove and takes valuable Council resources away from other vital community services.

"If you are planning a spring clean this year, we understand the temptation to use someone offering a quick and cheap waste disposal service. However, if your waste is dumped illegally, you'll be the one facing a fine."

Disposing of waste responsibly

Residents can also:

Report fly-tipping

If you witness fly-tipping or suspect waste crime, you can report it:

  • Online via our website
  • To the Environment Agency hotline on 0800 80 70 60
  • Anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

By working together, we can keep Guildford a clean, safe and welcoming place for everyone.

More information about how to get rid of rubbish responsibly can be found on our website.

Published on: 4 March 2026