LOCAL businesses are being reminded of their legal responsibilities after officers carried out checks on commercial waste carriers on Friday, December 5.

The operation, carried out in partnership with the Forest of Dean Neighbourhood Policing Team and Gloucestershire Constabulary, saw 55 vehicles stopped.

Many drivers were able to provide the required documentation on the spot, demonstrating that a large number of local businesses are following proper waste disposal procedures.

As part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance, letters are being sent to businesses to highlight the correct procedures for managing commercial waste. These include holding valid waste carrier licences and completing transfer notes for every waste movement.

Under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, every organisation and business has a legal duty of care for the waste it produces.

This means storing waste securely to prevent litter or vermin, ensuring it is transferred only to an authorised collector, completing a waste transfer note for every transfer, and keeping a copy of this note for two years.

Businesses that carry their own waste to disposal facilities must also be registered with the Environment Agency.

Failing to meet these requirements is a criminal offence and could lead to prosecution. Offenders may face a fixed penalty notice of £300 or be required to pay a fine following a court conviction.

The Forest of Dean District Council advises businesses to check waste carrier licences carefully, avoid using unlicensed operators, and never mix commercial waste with household rubbish or leave it at Household Waste Recycling Centres.

These facilities are for household waste only, and depositing trade waste there is illegal. Commercial waste rules apply to all businesses, including those run from home.

For more guidance on commercial waste and recycling, businesses can visit the council’s dedicated information page.