You may think that proper waste removal is a ‘nice to have’, but the truth is, no matter the size of your project, considerate waste removal is a must-have.
Whether you’re an independent contractor managing a home renovation, or a large commercial construction company working on a multi-site project, we’ve supported a variety of customers to stay on the right side of the law when it comes to waste management.
While it can be tempting to cut costs and not follow the guidelines when you feel up against tight deadlines, we hope this feature will make you think twice about taking a shortcut, and instead invest in a waste removal partner who can keep you and your waste on the right side of the law.
Fines
Unfortunately, rogue traders are a common occurrence in the waste removal sector and it’s an increasing problem here in the UK.
Rogue traders are not certified waste removers, and often illegally dump your rubbish and waste in the local area causing great harm to the natural wildlife.
Fly-tipping is a serious criminal offence in the UK, for which you can be prosecuted.
Many believe that it’s only the rogue trader who receives the fine or prison time, but householders and contractors who employ these rogue traders can also be fined.
At present householders can be fined up to £400 if they pass their waste onto an unlicensed waster carrier, however, the government is reviewing this to continue to deter people from using rogue traders.
The rogue trader if caught can receive up to a £50,000 fine and up to five years in prison.
Pest Control
Leaving waste around your home renovation or project without proper management can cause a serious pest problem. Especially if you have household rubbish around which makes an ideal home for rats and other vermin.
On average in the UK the cost of pest control can go up to £250, but this all depends on how bad the infestation has become, and how much time and bait needs to be used. The cost can go much higher if you have a severe problem.
Dealing with pests around your waste is not just an expensive problem to deal with, it can also take time to remove them, and impact your neighbours.
While there is a financial cost, there is also a cost to the project and to your environment.
Environmental Fines
The Environment Agency has the power to bring a company to court for breaching environmental legislation.
While fly-tipping is the most common offence, there are many other crimes that the Environment agency can pursue, such as polluting local waters or land and moving large amounts of waste to other countries.
In 2015, one company was fined £25,450 for illegally exporting 187 tonnes of waste to six African countries.
If large fines don’t scare you, the Environment agency can, in some rare cases, order the closure or suspension of a business until an environmental breach has been rectified.
Contractor Delays
If waste builds up over a long period of time, or just isn’t removed quickly enough it can cause serious delays to projects.
For example, if you have multiple contractors all working on one site, waste can sometimes delay others from starting their phase, which then results in a delay for all the other contractors and the project overall.
In one survey on project management by the Institute of Purchasing and Supply, delays can cost companies up to 20% more than the estimated cost on the project.
To mitigate these substantial costs to any project, waste management is an essential part of any project plan and execution.
Reputational Damage
While the fines and prison time may put the fear into you about proper waste management, nothing really costs more than when your reputation as a business is ruined.
Even one small mishap or accident can leave your business open to public shaming.
Local newspapers are quick to report on construction firms not following the rules, and now with social media, people can quickly take to their profiles to share their stories and instantly ruin a company’s reputation with just one bad review.
Many businesses struggle to come back from bad PR or negative reviews, so being considerate about your waste removal really is a better safe than sorry situation.
To get support or help with your waste removal from a certified Environment Agency waste carrier, contact our team at AJ Grab Hire today.
AJ Grab Hire
Head Office:
Langdale Farm
Cambridge Road
Melbourn
Hertfordshire
SG8 6EY
