Every piece of waste we produce tells a story — about our habits, our priorities, and our sense of responsibility toward the planet. Managing waste isn’t just the government’s job or the work of recycling companies; it starts with each of us. Whether it’s separating recyclables, cutting down on single-use plastics, or disposing of waste properly, every action counts. When we take ownership of our waste, we protect our environment, our communities, and our future. After all, your waste, your responsibility.
When we mention the word “waste” many think only of household bins or local council collections. But in the UK, waste duty of care legislation places legal obligations across the entire chain of waste production, management, transport, and disposal.
The duty of care in waste is set out primarily in Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA 1990), whereby all ‘controlled’ waste (e.g., household, commercial, industrial etc) must be legally managed responsibly by the producer.
What you can do to Comply?
Follow the Waste Hierarchy
Show you have taken reasonable measures to reduce and segregate waste at your home or business. For example, separately labelled bins.
Storage and Containment
Store and label waste securely at your commercial premises and at home. This can avoid contamination and help waste companies and councils recycle more!
Use a permitted Waste Management Company
Before appointing a waste carrier, check their credentials (WCL etc). If your waste is fly tipped by a waste carrier and associated with you personally (or a company), then the liability will fall on the waste producer.
Documentation
For each transfer of waste, keep an electronic copy of the Waste Transfer Note (WTN) for a minimum of two years; then if you have any inspections from regulators, you will have the documentation at hand for review. These are emailed over automatically from our system upon completion of a job, and also available on the customer account portals.
Simpler Recycling [2025]
From 31 March 2025, businesses, charities, and public sector organisations must separate dry recyclables (plastic, metal, glass, paper, card), food waste, and non-recyclable waste for collection (if you have more than 10 employees).
Have you got separate bins in your offices?
Monitoring
Conduct regular audits, training for employees handling waste and have a system in place to detect, report and correct any potential non-conformances with waste disposal.
The Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Criminal Prosecution (Under S34, with no upper limit on fines)
- Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs)
- Reputational Damage
- Remediation Orders (from Local Authorities)
- Liability
- Increased regulatory scrutiny
What Bucks Recycling can offer as a Waste Management Provider to avoid Non- Compliance
Separated Waste, Bespoke Waste Solutions
Separate Skips and Roll-On-Offs (or waste collections) can be offered to avoid contamination and fulfil your duty of care as a waste producer to follow the waste hierarchy. We deliver tailored waste solutions to suit individual requirements.
100% Resource Recovery
In 2024, we achieved 100% resource recovery at our Westcott MRF with zero waste to landfill. We delivered a 72% recycling rate, returning valuable materials to the circular economy, while the remaining materials generate renewable electricity through Energy-from-Waste facilities.to produce electricity.
Trusted Experts in Providing Waste Management Services
Bucks Recycling is ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 certified. We have also achieved FORS silver across our fleet of HGV’s.
In 2024 we calculated the carbon footprint of the business to start our journey towards net zero
As part of this through Climate Impact Partners we offset the remaining carbon footprint of our office activities which equated to 30 tonnes CO2e, thereby helping reduce the carbon emissions in Buckinghamshire.
Advanced Waste Reporting / Customer Portal
Access to Waste Reports, WTN’s and more 24/7 via our complementary customer portal for all account customer (upon request).
Compliance & Technical Expertise
All necessary compliance documentation, such as environmental permits, WCL’s and insurance details can be found on our website.
Bucks Recycling is compliant with all current environmental and waste management legislation and strive to inform our clients of upcoming regulation which will impact their business.
Not only this, but you can have peace of mind that your waste is being handled safely, legally and sustainably. Protecting yourself personally, and/or your brand reputation by showing customers, employees, and even potentially stakeholders that you take environmental responsibility seriously.
Conclusion
The UK’s duty of care in waste disposal is very clear and the responsibility for waste does not end the moment that it leaves your home or premises. By following the rules, segregating waste, and choosing trusted waste management providers you can protect yourself personally, and/or you businesses reputation.
Please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us should you wish to discuss your waste management.