From GOV.UK
Getting rid of household waste: the legal checks
If someone takes away your household waste, you must check they are allowed to. GOV.UK says you could be fined if you give it to someone who is not.
- England
Key facts
- Check a skip company or clearance firm on the Environment Agency's register of waste carriers. Choose upper tier.
- A charity collecting your things must be on the register too, as a lower tier carrier.
- Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own registers.
- A private waste site needs an environmental permit or a registered waste exemption. Ask for the number and check it.
- Most household waste can go in your council's bins. Councils may also collect garden waste and large items, eg sofas or fridges.
- When you buy a new electrical item, the shop must offer a free way to recycle your old one if it does the same job.
Last updated: 15 October 2026
Based on GOV.UK's own pages.
Mistakes to avoid
- You could get a fixed penalty notice from your council if you skip the checks.
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Binmap is independent and is not run by any council.