News: New tool to help residents fight fly-tipping
A new tool designed to make it easier for residents to avoid rogue waste carriers and help tackle fly-tipping has been launched by Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils.
WasteGuard is a free online service that allows residents to obtain quotes from waste carriers who have been checked for a valid licence and responsible waste disposal practices at the time of listing.
By choosing a provider from WasteGuard, residents can be confident they have met their legal obligation under the Household Waste Duty of Care to ensure their rubbish is disposed of responsibly. People are free to use waste carriers not signed up to the scheme but are encouraged to follow the SCRAP code.
The code advises residents to:
- Suspect all waste carriers
- Check they are authorised and have a waste carrier’s licence
- Refuse unexpected offers
- Ask where the waste is going
- Paperwork – obtain proof like a receipt or waste transfer note.
Anyone who doesn’t follow SCRAP and whose waste is later found to have been illegally dumped could be issued with a £600 Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecution and a court fine of up to £5,000.
Three companies have already signed up to WasteGuard, but it is hoped more will join in the future. The new service is part of both councils’ wider “Who’s taking your waste out?” campaign.
Featuring a series of eye-catching adverts showing people on unusual dates with commonly fly-tipped items such as sofas, used tyres and bags of rubbish, the campaign highlights that everyone is responsible for knowing who is taking their waste and where it is ending up.
Hilton Clearance, based in Kempsey and launched in 2024, was the first waste carrier company to sign up to the WasteGuard service.
Dave Hilton, owner of Hilton Clearance, said: “We are extremely proud to be recognised by WasteGuard. As a fully licensed and trusted waste carrier, we are committed to operating legally, ethically and responsibly, giving our customers complete confidence that their waste is handled correctly from collection through to disposal.
“This accreditation reflects the high standards we maintain every day. We provide Waste Transfer Notes, use authorised recycling and disposal facilities, and work hard to keep Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire clean and tidy. Since launching in September 2024, Hilton Clearance has built a reputation for trust, reliability and transparency, earning over 380 five-star reviews. We would like to thank WasteGuard for their recognition and continued support.”
Cllr Jeremy Owenson, Portfolio Holder for Environment on Malvern Hills District Council, added: “Rogue traders often undercut legitimate businesses and then dispose of waste illegally, leaving residents and communities to deal with the consequences. WasteGuard gives people a straightforward way to find trusted providers while supporting our wider efforts to crack down on fly-tipping and keep our district looking its best.”
Cllr Beverley Hardman, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Environment, said: “Most residents want to do the right thing when getting rid of unwanted items, but it can sometimes be difficult to know who to trust. WasteGuard takes away that uncertainty, helping residents meet their responsibilities and play a part in tackling fly-tipping.”
Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/wasteguard or www.wychavon.gov.uk/environmental-crime/wasteguard to find out more